Health News
- Most Beverage Companies Targeting Kids, Teens Even More To Sell Sugary Drinks, Despite Pledges; Pepsi An Exception
A study analyzing the marketing practices for 600 products made by 14 companies found there is more advertising of sugary drinks to children, despite industry pledges to the contrary. Child and teen exposure to TV ads for full-calorie soda doubled from...
- The Skinny On Weight Loss ?miracles?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?ve seen a big increase in ?miracle? weight loss products to fight the battle of the bulge. We are bombarded with ads for quick weight loss in print, online, and on TV. You?ve seen the ads with thin, muscled, and tanned men...
- Just Say No To Liquid Calories
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Why do we always hear so much about ?cutting liquid calories? for a healthier diet? It?s because most of these sources contain loads of calories without any nutritional benefit. Liquid calories are a hidden source of sugars (and...
- Hypnosis And Weight Loss
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Hypnosis has been documented to help with smoking cessation, and it?s also been advertised to help with weight loss. Can you really think yourself thin? The mind-body connection is well documented in supporting a successful weight...
- Diet Buddies And Food "frenemies"
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?ve found that good support can make any weight loss effort easier. We all know that the foundation of successful weight loss is eating less and moving more. But the problem is doing it consistently! What happens when it?s a...
Health News
Fat Burning Soda?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
PepsiCo has just launched a new soda in Japan, claiming to burn fat and support weight loss. It?s called ?Pepsi Special? and the ?special weight loss ingredient? is the addition of dextrin to the standard Pepsi formula. Dextrin is a non-digestible fiber, used in baked goods and other food products. Scientific studies have documented that fiber can help bind small amounts of dietary fat, and this metabolic observation is the sole ?science? upon which this claim is based.
Americans have a love-hate relationship with soda, and soda consumers are always happy to hear of some redeeming health benefit that helps justify consumption. This is not the first time soda has made a weight loss claim. In the U.S., you might be familiar with a soda named ?Celcius? containing 200 mg of caffeine (the amount in a large mug of coffee) claiming to burn fat and raise metabolism. And Coca Cola?s Fuze Slenderize energy drink, containing a special blend of minerals, promises to help you slim down.
Don?t expect Pepsi Special on U.S. shelves anytime soon. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates health claims of foods and beverages and does not permit nutrient fortification (like fiber) of soda or candy. The Japanese food regulatory process is more lenient.
As with all claims related to weight loss, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Most Beverage Companies Targeting Kids, Teens Even More To Sell Sugary Drinks, Despite Pledges; Pepsi An Exception
A study analyzing the marketing practices for 600 products made by 14 companies found there is more advertising of sugary drinks to children, despite industry pledges to the contrary. Child and teen exposure to TV ads for full-calorie soda doubled from...
- The Skinny On Weight Loss ?miracles?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?ve seen a big increase in ?miracle? weight loss products to fight the battle of the bulge. We are bombarded with ads for quick weight loss in print, online, and on TV. You?ve seen the ads with thin, muscled, and tanned men...
- Just Say No To Liquid Calories
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Why do we always hear so much about ?cutting liquid calories? for a healthier diet? It?s because most of these sources contain loads of calories without any nutritional benefit. Liquid calories are a hidden source of sugars (and...
- Hypnosis And Weight Loss
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Hypnosis has been documented to help with smoking cessation, and it?s also been advertised to help with weight loss. Can you really think yourself thin? The mind-body connection is well documented in supporting a successful weight...
- Diet Buddies And Food "frenemies"
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?ve found that good support can make any weight loss effort easier. We all know that the foundation of successful weight loss is eating less and moving more. But the problem is doing it consistently! What happens when it?s a...