Dangers of weight loss tricks

J.R.R. Tolkien, author of “The Hobbit,” once said, “shortcuts make long delays.” He may have been referring to navigating tough terrain, but he would have been spot-on if he were talking about weight loss. Recently the Food and Drug Administration warned about online products that promise shortcuts.

— FDA alarm No. 1: Unauthorized versions of fat-dissolving injections for use on the chin, back, thighs, underarms and stomach, turn out to deliver a combo of ingredients (phosphatidylcholine ... and sodium deoxycholate) linked to serious side effects, including “persistent scarring, severe infections and skin deformities.” There’s only one injected fat dissolver (only for under the chin) that’s FDA-approved and it’s administered by a health care professional.

— FDA alarm No. 2: Supplements identified as tejocote root and sold as weight-loss supplements contain toxic yellow oleander. If you ingest yellow oleander, it can trigger severe, even fatal, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular problems.

If your goal is weight loss and a younger ActualAge, you want to adopt proven approaches that include eliminating inflammatory, empty calories found in highly processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugary beverages. Ask your doc if one of the GLP-1/GIP meds like Wegovy or Zepbound are right for you. Aim for 150-300 minutes of physical activity weekly, including resistance training for 20 minutes at least twice a week.

Science-backed info at LongevityPlaybook.com can guide you through. And if your doctor agrees, you may opt for supplements (mentioned in iHerb’s blog, “Mindful Eating + 3 Supplements to Support Healthy Weight Loss”) to reinforce the benefits of your lifestyle changes.