Celebrity Weight Loss Supplements: Should You Pay the Big Bucks for Their Method?

Today there was a extraordinarily long line at the grocery store - and some extraordinarily colorful gossip magazines in the rack by the check-out counter. I noticed that almost every magazine had a cover headline blaring, "Exclusive! Learn how celebrities shed pounds the easy way with a NEW supplement."

These magical supplements all had names promising fast results, such as Quick Trim, which Kim Kardashian uses. They aren't inexpensive - but the temptation to give in and buy the diet version of the Fountain of Youth can seem irresistible.

Before You Buy...

But before you decide to play the "buy and try" game, take the time to do some research:

1. What are the ingredients? Many of these supplements that supposedly make weight loss a breeze contain caffeine. Sure, you'll get a quick burst of energy. But that energy boost will be followed by an energy drop. For many of us, sagging energy is associated with a need for fuel in the form of caffeine and/or sugar. Coffee milkshakes, anyone? In addition, if you have any food allergies or are sensitive to any foods, you run the risk of health problems. Many of these supplements contain milk, for example, which for those who are lactose intolerant can mean flatulence, bloating, and diarrhea.

2. What medical studies were done to evaluate the pros and cons of the supplements? If you can't find any information on health research done to support the value of these supplements, it's time to re-consider the wisdom of wasting your money.

3. How much does the supplement cost? Don't fall for tricks such as "just a few easy payments of $14.99." If those "few easy payments" equal a year of paying $15 a month, that means you've paid the equivalent of a gym membership -- which would probably benefit your bottom line AND your health much more effectively!

And About Those Slim Celebrities...

Something else to consider: those slim celebrities typically don't just rely on a simple supplement to shed any extra pounds. They've got celebrity personal trainers, celebrity personal chefs, and staff trained to encourage them, motivate them, and keep them on the path to those slim, toned figures.

Now if Kim Kardashian and her sisters want to share their personal trainers and chefs for a mere $14.99 a month, I just might be tempted!