Stay on top of breaking news!
Sign up for ABC 13 e-mail alerts.
Across the ABC-13 Viewing Area - They promise you'll be five pounds lighter in no time. But diet pills are once again being scrutinized for putting
your health at risk.
The FDA added 40 more products to its alert about tainted pills.
Some of these products contain undeclared drugs in them, which could lead to seizures, strokes, and even heart attacks.
But for some reason consumers keep taking the risk that a pill will solve their weight problem.
Dr. Thomas Eppes, Medical Society of Virginia - "There's really only one way to lose weight."
And it's not in a plastic bottle.
Eppes - "Long term studies have shown that most diet pills are usually pretty ineffective."
And unsafe, according to the FDA. All of the products identified Thursday include the undeclared drug sibutramine. It's in Slim Fast, Extrim Plus, and Super Fat Burner, just to name a few.
Some of the products suggest taking three times the recommended daily dosage. Which could lead to increased blood pressure or even seizures.
Eppes - "Almost all of them have side effects in some way or another because of the way they stimulate the body."
Doctors say keeping your body moving is the key to a successful weight loss program. That combined with eating less than you're burning off.
But what about those natural weight management supplements?
At Fresh Air Natural Foods Saleswoman Mary Purcell says none of the products include chemicals.
And some, like CLA.
Mary Purcell, Fresh Air Natural Foods - "It actually is one of the fatty acids that our body needs, we need it."
...can do more for your body than just eating fat.
But just like those diet pills don't substitute a supplement for willpower.
Purcell - "You can't just take a pill and expect it to work."
You should always talk to your doctor before taking any pill... diet or supplement.
Click here for the FDA's full list of diet products that are under investigation
Email To Friend 
© 2009 WSET-TV, Inc.
The Associated Press may have contributed to this article.
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
ABC 13 to leave comments on news stories.