Slim

Roam through the isles of many stores, and they're everywhere. Over-the-counter diet pills. Regulated and ephedra-free. Perfectly legal. Cleverly marketed. Manufacturers know you'd like six pack abs like these, and a beach body like this, this summer.
Supplement success stories vary. But most acknowledge people are looking for a quick fix.
"They want to take the pill to lose weight instead of doing the work," said Truckee resident Sabrina Beck.
"I've actually taken them before in the past, and they didn't work," said Reno resident Cirila Santillano.
"Everybody's always looking for the magic bullet, I can tell you there isn't one," said Country Health owner Don Minstrel.
Inside Country Health, is 30 year owner Don Minstrel, who grew up in this business.
He recommends a healthy lifestyle to lose weight, but does sell natural and FDA approved diet products.
"A lot of people are always looking for something to lose weight, especially with summer coming," he said.
Registered dietitians like Lynice Anderson rarely advise clients to take pills. But the supplement business is a huge, multi-million dollar industry, and many people are bound to try the products.
And with so many different products out there, how do you know which product and ingredients to trust?
"I would have them talk to a registered dietitian and have them do research," said Anderson. "It's our job to stay on top of products and if I thought it was going to help and be safe, I'd tell someone that."
I called the American Dietetic Association in Chicago; their dietitian told me two out of three Americans are overweight, and many are willing to try anything, including over the counter supplements.
Some people told us about the side effects they or their friends have experienced.
"Sometimes my heart beat faster than normal and it's kind of scary if you've never experienced that before," said Santillano.
"People have complained anywhere from bloating to headaches," said Beck.
Back at Renown Medical Center, Anderson adds a few more possible effects.
"Especially people with chronic conditions, but even for healthy people, an increase in blood pressure, and there's been instances of liver failure or damage."
Again, registered dietitians do not endorse one product over another, and instead promote healthy living. They say if you're looking to lose weight in the short term, and decide to try one of these products, it is best to consult a professional, let them use their experience to tell you what is best for you.
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