The vast majority of diet pills on the market today use words like "all natural" and "herbal supplements" as a selling point. What this really means is that the manufacturer is sliding past FDA inspection because the FDA has no jurisdiction over herbal supplements. No one does. So taking "natural" diet pills is a real gamble, as the manufacturers haven't had to test them in any way or prove their safety or effectiveness.

There is no required scientific proof or research required to back up any advertiser's claims about herbal diet pills, so they are basically free to say whatever they want regarding how the product works or the health benefits they provide.

The diet pills industry has a long history of making claims that aren't true and posing serious health threats for consumers from addiction to metabolism disruption to permanent heart damage. The Better Business Bureau has repeatedly issued warnings regarding the purchase and consumption of diet pills. Some of those statements are included below.

Use caution with diet pills and capsules that promise to "burn," "block," "flush," or otherwise eliminate fat from your system. Even the best diet pill or weight loss product is, at best, only a temporary or partial measure.

Be wary of diet pills that promise immediate, effortless and/or "guaranteed" weight loss. Every person's body is different and there is virtually no product that can promise guaranteed weight loss to everyone. And the only effortless weight loss is starvation, which is not only unhealthy, but does not get rid of fat, at least not until your body has burned its own muscle and dehydrated first.

Watch for buzzwords like "breakthrough," "secret," "exclusive," or "miraculous" in advertisements for diet pills. They are not scientific words and often appear in misleading promotions for fraudulent products.

Be cautious of vaguely worded testimonials that cannot be verified. Testimonials should not serve as a substitute for scientific proof of a product's effectiveness.

Before committing to diet pills, or any weight loss product or program, check with your physician, a qualified nutritionist and/or a registered dietitian. Don't just accept testimonials and endorsements from celebrities. Where these may be good and honest people, most are not doctors, and remember that those who are doctors are also getting paid large sums for their endorsements.

Also check with the Better Business Bureau or the Food & Drug Administration if you have questions about an advertised product, diet pills or weight loss promotion. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.