6 Myths (and Facts) About Weight-Loss Supplements

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MYTH: Natural weight-loss supplements don't have side effects

FACT: "Not true,” says Dr. Cooperman. "If a supplement"—even a natural one—"can cause an effect, chances are it can cause a side effect."

If you want to go natural, you’re probably better off getting what you’re looking for in your food. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), for instance, has received a lot of hype as a weight-loss supplement, but there’s little research for its effectiveness, according to Sandquist. Though it may be useful in gaining more muscle and losing fat, Sandquist notes, diet and exercise can accomplish the same thing. “If someone consumes a healthy diet, they’ll get CLA in meat, eggs, and dairy products,” she says. “So look at the quality of your total diet.”

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