The Dangerous Combination of the Media and the...

The Dangerous Combination of the Media and the Weight-Loss Industry Abstract: Excessive use of diet pills by American women stems from the idea that thinness is ideal. This ideal is unlikely to change in the near future, so the use of diet pills and other unhealthy fat diets is likely to increase. If women remain unaware of the health risks associated with the use and abuse of these unregulated drugs, rates of illness and even death are also likely to increase. In 1997, the use of diet pills directly caused seventeen deaths (Cohen). Medical professionals speculate that many other deaths are indirectly related to weight-loss drugs. FDA regulation of natural substances such as ephedrine and caffeine would alleviate widespread use†¦show more content†¦Since elimination of diet pill advertisements is unlikely, measures should be taken to limit the use of these drugs. FDA regulation of natural substances such as ephedrine and caffeine is one plausible method of reducing the abuse of diet pills. Advertisement of diet pills generally entails one or both of two appeals: their quick fix strategy, and their composition of natural substances. Magazine advertisement of Hydroxycut, which can be found in many womens magazines, focuses on the first method. At first glance, the full-page ad presents a young woman, obviously pleased with the effects of the treatment. Beside her smiling facade are photographs comparing her figures before and after taking the pills. The before image depicts an unhappy, overweight, unfit, pale, disheveled individual. In contrast, the after photo shows a happy, thin, fit, tan, made-up woman. Above these pictures, in bold type, is the quotation, Losing 31 pounds was so easy with Hydroxycut! Under this statement, the advertisement claims that Hydroxycut helps you lose fat fast. Without further analysis of the ad, the average reader turns the page believing that use of Hydroxycut transforms women from average to ideal. However, closer examination of the advertisement illuminates the falsity of this thought. Comparison of the before and after images reveals numerous techniques thatShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Health Promotions In Public Health1148 Words   |  5 Pagesprofessional relationship, there is growing mistrust in the capacity of healthcare professionals to consult on obesity, particularly in pharmacists. An Australian study found that most consumers believed pharmacist motivations in providing advice on weight loss products was associated with gaining profit from selling a product and furthermore communicated concern about the potential bias present in that exchange (Um et al, 2012). Furthermore, patients believed pharmacist lacked the expertise or time toRead MoreMedia’s Blow on Anorexia1054 Words   |  5 Pagesevery person loves, so cial media. 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