When it comes to food and supplements, confusion abounds. One reason: Some ideas catch on and linger, despite iffy evidence or, worse yet, studies that prove them flat-out wrong. Here’s a handful of claims to doubt.
Counting calories to lose—or not gain—weight? As they say, there’s an app for that. In fact, there are many. But food-tracking apps like MyFitnessPal aren’t just for calories. They can also tally how much sodium, protein, and sugar you eat. To match your app to your goals, here’s what to consider.
Weight and HealthLindsay Moyer, MS, RDN, Marlena Koch
I’ve spent a good part of my career arguing that anti-obesity drugs like Meridia and fenphen have serious side effects, are not terribly effective, and should be taken off the market. Several have been.
FDA alerts online shoppers that tejocote root supplements may be toxic yellow oleander; Amazon warned to stop selling mislabeled erectile dysfunction drugs.
Dangerous food additives face more scrutiny; New York City gets new sugar labels; the link between dollar stores and public health; and a look at obesity drugs.
