In a desperate move, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has filed a “citizen petition” asking the FDA to prevent manufacturers of weight loss supplements from claiming that their products help you lose weight. They’re arguing that since obesity and weight loss are significant risk factors in certain diseases, ANY PRODUCTS promoting weight loss claims should be treated as drugs! If, (heaven forbid) the FDA accepts this GSK petition, its effects on the dietary supplement business would be drastic, immediate, and incredibly damaging. If we’re not careful, it could only be a matter of time before everything from ginseng to St. John's wort to valerian root to vitamin C would be under the control of the government – and their fat-cat buddies at the major drug makers. The good thing about this citizen’s petition is that you don’t have to support it to comment on it. Plenty of people have written in saying things like: “the drug company is obviously concerned about its bottom line and nothing more” and “It’s very clear the pharmaceutical industry has undertaken a campaign to takeover the healthfood/supplement industry.” | 
