> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Weight loss: Fact vs. Fiction
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/weight_loss_fact_vs_fiction_0619140333/
- Published: 2014-06-19T16:29:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:15:14.000Z
- Description: The FTC warns that pills, powders, patches, belts and creams promising effortless weight loss mostly thin your wallet, and some may harm your health. It points readers to its Weight Loss Challenge game and says diet changes and exercise remain the keys.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Advisories, Politics, #vivvo-import

# June 17, 2014

by Aditi Jhaveri, Consumer Education Specialist, Federal Trade Commission

Thinking about squeezing into that itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini — or baring your bod in that form-fitting suit? It’s beach season, and those quick weight loss products might seem appealing. You’ve probably seen the ads for pills, powders, patches, belts, and creams promising to melt the pounds away without any diet or exercise. But do those products really work?

Learn how to tell fact from fiction when it comes to weight loss products. Play the FTC’s new [Weight Loss Challenge game](http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/all/libraries/games/weightlosschallenge/?ref=foodconsumer.org), and have fun getting the skinny on safe and effective weight loss!

Remember, most products that claim to help you lose weight won’t do much besides make your wallet thinner. Any [claims of quick, easy, and permanent weight loss](http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0061-weighing-claims-diet-ads?ref=foodconsumer.org) without changing your habits just aren’t true, and some of these products could even hurt your health. Experts agree: modifying your diet and exercising more are the keys to [successful weight loss](http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0061-weighing-claims-diet-ads?ref=foodconsumer.org#willireally).

Want to know more about the FTC’s initiatives to combat deceptive claims for weight loss products? Check out [today’s testimony](http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/06/ftc-testifies-senate-commerce-subcommittee-agency-efforts-combat?ref=foodconsumer.org) in Congress*,* and take a look at our tips on other important [health and fitness](http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/health-fitness?ref=foodconsumer.org) topics, too.