There is a steadily increasing population ready, if not desperate, to find a solution to their weight problems, and they may become victims of unrealistic claims about products or services.
Weight loss frauds are a serious problem. They increase health dangers by keeping people from seeking medical attention to treat obesity. They increase costs to consumers without providing any benefit. They are hurtful, because they add to a person's feelings of shame and sense of failure. They hurt legitimate weight loss programs by lending to the false belief that "all diets fail."
We don't have to be victims. Legitimate weight loss programs do not make outrageous claims. Here are some things you can do to protect against weight loss fraud.
- Be smart.
Beware of products or services that:
- Promise rapid weight loss.
- Claim you can eat anything you want, often without having to exercise.
- Claim everyone can lose on this program.
- Use the terms "miraculous", "breakthrough", "doctor-tested."
- Rely heavily on celebrity or testimonials from 'satisfied' customers.
- Use small print claiming "Results not typical. Your results may vary."
- Profess to cure a host of ailments beside obesity.
- Make advertising claims that are not on the product label.
- Involve gadgets and devices.
- Fail to mention health risks or recommend a medical examination.
- Declare that medical science has suppressed this information or product.
- Are distributed only via mail order advertisements, television or the Internet. Look for an address, not a Post Office Box.
- Ask for a large up-front payment or stress a money-back guarantee (actually getting your money-back is a different thing).
- Educate yourself
Weight Loss Products and Programs
Buying Exercise Equipment
- Take Action
If you are a victim of a fraudulent weight loss product or service, do not feel ashamed. Think of other consumers like you who may become victims, and take action.
- If you see an unrealistic claim in a newspaper or magazine, write to the editor and ask if they stand behind those products.
- Write to your Governor, State Legislators, and Members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate demanding more funding for law enforcement activities directed at weight loss scams.
- Notify a consumer protection agency about the problem.
