If the name belongs to a celebrity it is almost a given that at some point that name will be linked to a weight loss product, exercise plan or exercise machine. But, are they effective and more importantly are they safe? The average person, looking for that one, magic solution to their weight loss problems is not asking those very serious questions and they may be paying the price far beyond the cost of the program.

From the Kardashians, to Jessica Simpson and others, celebrity backed diet pills, shakes and programs are all over television and internet advertising. Simpson's deal with Weight Watchers will net her millions as she struggles to lose weight gained during her recent pregnancy. The Kardashian sisters all reportedly used Quick Trim to keep their figures and are featured in ads for the product. But, there are problems with any supplement, whether it is a pill or not, especially when it comes to long term, safe weight loss. Kirstie Alley, who has been rumored to have lost one hundred pounds after her last stint on Dancing With the Stars is facing a lawsuit based in part on the user's lack of discernible success. The plaintiff in that case knew that there is no such thing as a magic pill but still took the supplements.

At one point, Alli, an over the counter version of the drug known as orlistat, was one of the most popular and best selling products in the billion dollar diet and exercise industry. Figures for 2007 topped out at $145 million but dropped to just over eight million three years later. Alli, endorsed by celebrities like country performer Wynona Judd is also being protested by a consumer advocacy group that is petitioning the FDA to pull the drug from the market. Alli and the other orlistat based drugs are believed to increase the risk of liver damage as well as other issues like pancreatitis and kidney stones.

Alli is expensive and has some nasty possible side effects as well. Weight loss is slow despite what the advertising claims. One of its major ad lines is that it will help to lose fifty percent more weight than dieting alone. However, in most studies for the drug, the Alli assisted dieters only lost two to three pounds more than those who used diet alone. The biggest of those studies showed excessively slow weight loss as well, totaling less than half a pound per week.

In many cases the celebrities are not even taking their own "advice" and do not use the product that they are endorsing. With the number of dangerous side effects as well as the extreme price tags, it is much better to use healthy foods and exercise to accomplish your goals.