There was an interesting report on CNN today about some of the weight loss industries most popular weight loss products. When it comes to shedding pounds consumers tend to be pretty gullible. People will take just about anything if there is even the slightest chance they'll achieve a body like their favorite celebrity. They will buy into advertising hype and completely ignore the potential dangers.

Some of the products listed on in the CNN report most of us already knew about, one is even banned - although that does not stop some people from using it. Others are considered useless but many people shell out hundreds of dollars for an empty promise of weight loss.

The most dangerous weight loss product on the list is ephedra. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned this product in 2004 because it increases the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease. Cascara, a natural laxative, is also used to stimulate weight loss but is considered unsafe because it can cause dependency, dehydration and gastrointestinal problems. Garcinia, an herbal supplement, has been said to stimulate weight loss but studies have shown that it is quite ineffective. It also carries health risks for individuals suffering from diabetes and dementia disorders and can cause respiratory and digestive problems.

Also making the list are dandelion and hoodia. Dandelion is a natural diuretic so it will only relieve water retention, not fat retention. There is plenty of hype about hoodia, a plant that grows naturally in South Africa and is believed to work as an appetite suppressant. There are many forms of hoodia available commercial that claim to help curb the appetite, but none have been proven to aid weight loss because they do not contain enough natural hoodia to be effective.

For more information about false weight loss claims check out Diet Myths on DietNation.com.