Dispelling Diet Myths Joan G. Lytle, FDA NJ Public Affairs Specialist March 31, 2007

Confronting the Nation’s Obesity Problem (FDA Task Force)… Focus on Food Labels “Calories Count” Campaign Working Cooperatively

FDA’s Two Highest Priorities Combat Obesity (“Make Your Calories Count”) Informative Labeling

Dietary Supplements DSHEA Informed Choice FDA/FTC Adverse Reactions

HEALTH FRAUD 80 + billion dollar a year business Unproven treatments for profit Targets uneducated, those with illnesses, youth & elderly Certain dangers

Weight Loss Products Tired of working out at the gym? Body toning without effort! Lose weight while you sleep! Shed pounds by taking a pill!

Weight Control Claims “You won’t find weight loss in a bottle of pills that claims it has the latest scientific breakthrough or miracle ingredient” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. “Paying for fad science is a good way to lose cash, not pounds”. (1/04/07)

Signs and Signals Quick or “Easy” Fix Scientific Breakthrough Impressive Sounding Terms Unproven Claims Personal Testimonies Sounds too good to be true

How to protect yourself against Health Fraud: Learn how to evaluate health-related claims (avoid products that offer quick or dramatic cures), Recognize the “red flags”, Seek out reliable sources of information and consult with a health care professional to make better- informed choices about your health.

Resources: FDA Consumer Magazine Publications (easy- to-read & other languages fact sheets/brochures) Electronic newsletters

THANK YOU! Joan Lytle (732) X33