Header image  
promoting a realistic approach to
weight control		  
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About

The Reality Coalition is a group of experts on obesity, nutrition, diabetes and healthcare policy who share the common goal of advancing an agenda for realistic approaches to weight loss.  The Coalition strives to increase:

  • Understanding that “help not hype” is needed to minimize the impact of unsubstantiated claims for weight loss products that meet no reasonable scientific standards.
  • Recognition of the importance of gradual weight loss and prevention of weight gain achieved through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
  • Realization of the significant health benefits associated with modest weight loss

The organization's effort began in 2006 with support by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.  The Coalition developed a white paper entitled Help Not Hype: Getting Real About Weight Loss (published in Obesity Management, February 2007), which was introduced in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission in October 2006.

The Coalition is expanding its efforts in 2009 and will invite business leaders, private, public, professional and non-profit groups to join in its efforts to focus attention on the rising cost of obesity and its impact on the well-being of working Americans. The group will call on legislators to influence accurate representation of dietary supplements that claim weight loss benefits so that consumers have realistic information about weight loss approaches.