A survey conducted by the University of Connecticut and funded by GlaxoSmithKline found that 70% of dieters attempted to lose weight on their own, without the help of doctors. A third of dieters also tried dietary supplements.

GlaxoSmithKline makes Xenical, a prescription drug designed to help people lose weight. Despite this conflict of interest, the survey had found two very alarming trends. First, people who take diet supplements falsely believe that the pills claims have been proven to be effective and that the supplements are safe. Generally, there is no proof that over the counter diet supplements are effective or safe. Worse yet, they could potentially interfere or negatively react with medications and/or other supplements. Secondly, dieters are not getting help from doctors.

The second trend is a large problem that needs to be fixed. Many of the dieters found to go it alone had incomes level below the national median. We can make an educated guess based on other data that these many of these do-it-yourself dieters also lack health insurance. However, many survey respondents said that their doctors are not discussing weigh issues with them. Family physicians are the first line of defense and too many are simply not bringing up nutrition and exercise with patients. This is a structural problem that lies at the feet of insurance companies as well as the medical communities. Push doctors to see as many patients as possible and they’re not going to take the time to discuss wellness issues.

The good news is that dieters do not have to go at it along. Weight Watchers® offers great advice and lots of support. The FDA runs a web site discussing the safety and effectiveness of weight loss supplements. And most doctors are willing to help you lose weight – you just need to bring the topic up.