Inside Bogus Weight Loss Fads
A look at companies who falsely for promising slim figures.
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Companies Had to Pay Up for Bogus Weight-Loss Products - The Federal Trade Commission announced a $34 million settlement with four companies accused of using deceptive advertising to sell unproven weight-loss products. In a nation where more than 80 percent of African-American women were considered overweight or obese in 2010, bogus weight-loss products are attractive to those desperate to lose weight. Take a look at the companies involved and the terms of the FTC settlement. — Dominique Zonyéé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission)
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Weight-Loss Schemes - With losing weight as the top New Year’s resolution of 2014 for Americans, how reliable or safe are these advertised weight-loss products?(Photo: Courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission)
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Sensa - Sensa told consumers to “sprinkle, eat, and lose weight,” claiming that its powder-based food additive could help customers lose weight without diet or exercise. Sensa’s ads claimed that the powder enhanced the flavor of food, helping users to eat less. But the FTC says those were unfounded weight-loss claims and misleading endorsements. The company will pay $26.5 million in the settlement.(Photo: Courtesy of SENSA)
Photo By Photo: Trysensa.com
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L'Occitane Inc. - The international beauty products supplier advertised Almond Beautiful Shape and Almond Shaping Delight creams to help produce "slimmer, firmer" figures. However, L'Occitane Inc. failed to perform the proper scientific experiments to back up those claims. The company will pay $450,000 under the FTC settlement.(Photo: EPA/YM YIK/LANDOV)
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LeanSpa - LeanSpa LLC used fake news websites to promote its acai berry and colon cleanse weight-loss products. The fake websites used online addresses designed to resemble legitimate news sites and enticed consumers with free trials of the products. But the FTC alleges that consumers ended up paying $79.99. LeanSpa has agreed to surrender assets worth an estimated $7.3 million.(Photo: Courtesy of LeanSpa)
Photo By Photo: Courtesy of LeanSpa
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HCG Diet Direct - HCG Diet Direct marketed liquid drops of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced by the human placenta and found in the urine of pregnant women. The company charged $200 for a 40-day supply of the drops. The drops promised weight loss without proper scientific evidence. The government's $3.2 million fine against the company was suspended because HCG cannot pay the amount.(Photo: Courtesy of HCG)
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How to Spot False Weight-Loss Claims - In lieu of the new settlement, the FTC compiled a list of “gut check” claims in weight-loss product ads that experts say simply can’t be true. Look out for ads that say “doesn’t matter how much you eat” or “causing permanent weight loss.” For more bogus weight-loss claims you should look out for, visit here.(Photo: Courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission)