Here is how AdSense works.

Advertisers bid on words that people might enter into a search engine. Then, if you enter that word or phrase into Google, the highest bidder’s ad show up on the right side of the Google results page.

These same ads can also appear on other web pages (with permission of the web page owner) if the words being bid on are included in the page text. For example, if a web page is about dogs, then ads from advertisers who bid on dog-related words would display on that page — and the page owner would get paid by Google if someone clicked on that ad.

Relative to my area of research, I find this practice quite humorous at times and a good screen for the validity of the information I find.

For example, I might read a review of some legitimate weight-loss study that says to not pay attention to fad diets and diet pills, and on the same page find ads like this:

Lose 20 Pounds in 3 Weeks
Amazing Chinese fat-loss secret. As seen on Oprah and 60 minutes

or

Oprah’s Diet Review
Oprah and NBC report: Hoodia works for dieters. Try free sample here.

When I see this, I have two reactions:

1. Laughter — talk about contradictory messages!!!

2. Questioning of the validity of the article. I wonder if the author is more interested in getting AdSense revenue or in offering valuable information.

The reality is #2 is a big problem. People are now putting up web pages and writing articles with nonsensical information just as a backdrop for displaying AdSense advertisements.

Bottom line — if you see these AdSense ads on a web page, you should seriously question the validity of what you are reading.

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of Finally, the Straight Scoop About Weight, Nutrition, and Fitness

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The idea is to sprinkle these non-caloric scented crystals on your food to intensify its smell and taste.

Normally, you would think that smelling something delicious would actually stimulate your hunger. Well, it turns out that’s true for many smells. However, according to Dr. Alan Hirsch, the founder of this foundation, neutral sweet smells like green apple, banana, vanilla and peppermint will curb a person’s appetite.

This type of thing bothers me a lot.

It seems to me that the last thing you want to do is artificially block or modify your hunger. Hunger is a natural regulatory signal — just like thirst and the desire to breathe. You’d never consider doing anything to block or modify these other two regulatory signals, so why would you ever want to do anything to block or modify hunger?

This is the same problem I have with diet pills or special diets that promise to reduce a person’s hunger. That’s probably the worst thing you can do if you want to lose weight.

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of Finally, the Straight Scoop About Weight, Nutrition, and Fitness

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Here’s the major segments of the US diet industry included in the study:
* Diet soft drinks
* Commercial weight-loss programs
* Medical programs/diet drugs
* Retail non-prescription meal replacements and diet pills
* Health clubs
* Artificial sweeteners
* Weight-loss surgeries
* Low-cal entries

When the market researchers added it all up the total expenditures came to $46 billion in 2004 (up 6.1% from 2003).

The most troubling component of this total was bariatric (weight-loss) surgeries. There were 140,000 cases in 2004 which generated revenues of $3.5 billion. This case load has risen dramatically in the last few years.

So how much of this $46 billion is really helping people safely lose weight? Well, in my opinion, not much. Sure, there are some nutritionists and dietitians who are providing some assistance. But, beyond that, Americans are wasting their money.

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of Finally, the Straight Scoop About Weight, Nutrition and Fitness

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Their first order of business is to convince people that weight loss cannot be achieved by relying on the exaggerated claims touted by over-the-counter weight control pills. In fact, this group believes these products actually contribute to the tremendous health epidemic of obesity.

I applaud their efforts. There’s a tremendous need for some reality about weight-loss methods. Americans spend over $50 billion each year on weight-loss products and services and what has it got us? — rapidly rising obesity rates among adults as well as children.

But, if we are going to bring some reality to this issue, then it needs to be based on the truths.

Sure, “magic pills” don’t work. But neither does making the “lifestyle changes” (eat less and exercise more) that these experts propose. Don’t they know that most overweight people have tried this approach also — with little success?

Come on. If we are going to get real about weight loss, let’s get real!

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of Finally, the Straight Scoop About Weight, Nutrition and Fitness

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This blog is one component of my efforts where I review recent media reports related to weight loss and try to clarify the confusing, contradictory and inaccurate information that’s so prevalent on this topic. My goal if for you to understand the fundamental and unchanging truths about weight management so you can stop feeling guilty and start losing weight.
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I just found out that Marketdata Enterprises, Inc. produces a 300 plus page study of the weight-loss market every other year.

The last one was released in March of 2005 (8th Edition) so a new one is probably due soon.

In this report you can learn almost everything you’d ever want to know about money being spent on weight loss in the United States. However, it costs $2,195 to get the report.

The 2005 report estimated the total market for weight loss products at $46 billion and the number of dieters in America at 71 million.

Here’s some of the highlights from the 2005 study:

* 70% of Americans want to lose weight on their own rather than join a formal program.

* The number of gastric bypass surgeries has soared in the last few years.

* Americans are still patronizing scam artists and rip-off weight loss companies as much as they ever have, if not more, than a decade ago.

* Over the last couple of years there as been a 32% decrease in non-prescription pill use and a 18% decrease in prescription diet drug use.

* Use of diet soft drinks and artificial sweeteners is rising rapidly.

* Weight loss books, cassettes, and exercise videos is a $1.7 billion market.

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of The “Never Struggle With Your Weight Ever Again” Weight Loss Course

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This blog is one component of my efforts where I review recent media reports related to weight loss and try to clarify the confusing, contradictory and inaccurate information that’s so prevalent on this topic. My goal if for you to understand the fundamental and unchanging truths about weight management so you can stop feeling guilty and start losing weight.
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Thanks for visiting.

If you want the straight scoop about what you read in the media related to losing weight, this is your source.

Whenever you see a big media story (or even some small stories) on this topic, you can expect I will post something here within a couple of days which shares the truths behind the story.

I look forward to keeping you up-to-date.

Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of The “Never Struggle With Your Weight Ever Again” Weight Loss Course

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