Want to lose weight? Don't count on pills

Rare sense.

"Users of Alli, the first weight-loss drug approved for sale over-the-counter in the United States, are finding what they likely suspected all along: pills are no magic substitute for diet and exercise."

Common stupidity.

"Yet as Americans engage in the New Year's tradition of resolving to shed pounds, the market for diet aids is expected to remain firm, even as the economy is mired in recession.

Americans spend $30 billion a year on weight-loss products and services, and two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese."

More common stupidity.

"'People who took the drug lost only 4 more pounds (1.8 kg) than the placebo group after a year. People have to ask themselves whether the expense of this medicine is worth a few extra pounds,' Hensrud said.

A 30-day supply of Alli costs $60."

That's $180 per pound.

That's one reason why these folks are idiots.