Explain why this supplement is a form of nutrition quackery and is an ineffective method of weight loss

Question

LaToya sees an ad for a weight loss supplement with Kim Kardashian saying it helped her lose 10 pounds of fat in just one week. She is tempted because her wedding is coming up, and she wants to look her best. When she tries to find information about the product, only a link is provided to Dr.Oz’s website. 

In your explanation, please provide three reasons why it’s a form of nutrition quackery and three reasons why it’s an ineffective method of weight loss. 

Answer 1

Why it is quackery? Quackery is defined as a dishonest practice and claims to have special knowledge and skill in some field (dictionary.com) So why is this ad quackery?

1. The human body cannot shed 10 pounds of fat unless under extreme circumstances. According to a study published by Dr. del Coso Garrigo exercising for one hour per day, one can hope to lose about 2 pounds of fat per month.
2. The link to a product for information is a link to a paid website and therefore unreliable
3. Quackery is also involved in misleading advertising of dietary supplements and since the claim of losing 10 pounds of fat is misleading, it can be defined as quackery.

Why is it ineffective?

1. It is ineffective in helping someone lose weight and keep it off. The weight loss a person may experience is all water weight.
2. It is ineffective because taking a pill cannot make fat disappear
3. It is ineffective because they simply don't work if you look at research. Researchers in Germany tested nine weight loss supplements against placebo pills in one of the most extensive trials of weight loss supplements and they found that supplements were no more effective. (Presented at the International Congress on Obesity, 2010).