More Than One-Third of Americans Cannot Separate Help from Hype

Some describe New Year’s as the “world championship” of weight loss, as adults are bombarded with weight-loss claims and promises. For millions of well-intentioned dieters, the chaos can result in confusion, frustration and, ultimately, disappointment.

According to a new survey of 2,058 adults, conducted in late November by Harris Interactive® on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (NYSE: GSK), 52 percent of Americans say they plan to make a serious attempt to lose weight in 2008. But as January approaches and the drumbeat of quick and easy weight-loss promises grows louder, these individuals can become increasingly confused about what to believe.

To help overweight adults distinguish fact from fiction at this pivotal time of year, alli® is providing free access to thousands of hours worth of weight-loss advice from healthcare professionals. As the Harris Interactive survey shows, dieters value such support, but rarely take advantage of it: three quarters (73 percent) of U.S. adults who plan to make a serious attempt to lose weight in 2008 believe that outside help from a dietitian, pharmacist or other healthcare professional would help them achieve their weight-loss goals, but only a fraction (17 percent) of these adults plan to seek such support.

From January 4 – 7, 2008, alli will sponsor “Make This Year Different,” a weight-loss event designed to ease some of the barriers to seeking expert advice on weight-loss issues and to help overweight adults benefit from the counsel of healthcare professionals. This guidance may help to make this year different for anyone who has tried ineffective weight-loss strategies in the past, or who is simply confused by the influx of weight-loss claims at this time of year.

People 18+ can call 866-551-DIFFERENT between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST to speak live with a dietitian or pharmacist, or to hear pre-recorded diet, nutrition, behavioral and exercise tips. The recorded information is also available before and after help-line hours, and will remain accessible through January 31, 2008.

Individuals can also visit MakeThisYearDifferent.com between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST for live online chats with dietitians or pharmacists, in private or group chat room discussions. The Web site will also feature diet and exercise videos and answers to common questions about the alli weight-loss program.

Separating Weight-Loss Help from Hype

When it comes to weight-loss products, U.S. adults who plan to make a serious attempt to lose weight in 2008 have considerable knowledge gaps, particularly with regard to appetite suppressants, herbal products and dietary supplements.

These products are not required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to submit safety or efficacy studies, or to include warnings about potential side effects on their labels; however, the Harris Interactive survey shows: