As the new year begins, many of us set our sights on achieving weight loss goals. If you are at the beginning of your journey, it’s important to be aware of the various weight loss scams being promoted. These scams deceive consumers with false promises and employ questionable business practices.
In a recent report to Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker, a consumer was persuaded to participate in a 30-day trial for supplements that claimed to increase metabolism and reduce appetite cravings. Despite receiving the initial batch of supplements, the consumer never received any more of the product but was subsequently charged over $1400 over 6 months. Despite multiple attempts to cancel the subscription and request a refund, the consumer was forced to cancel their credit card and is still in the process of trying to recover their funds.
Many weight loss products and plans use unrealistic promises to entice consumers, including claims of “melting,” “flushing,” “burning,” or “dissolving” away unwanted fat quickly. These products may be advertised with before-and-after photos of supposed users, and glowing five-star reviews.
Some of these companies engage in unethical business practices, such as making it difficult for consumers to cancel a subscription or obtain a refund. It’s important to read the fine print and be aware of any weight loss product that makes unrealistic claims or is difficult to cancel.
To help avoid weight loss scams, the Better Business Bureau recommends the following:
· Be cautious of advertisements and customer endorsements promising rapid or miraculous results. Achievable and sustainable weight loss typically involves gradually losing one to two pounds per week. This can mean incorporating healthy habits such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management into your life. Speak with a healthcare professional to determine your weight loss goal.
· Establish your fitness goals and find a program that aligns with them. Consider factors such as whether you’ll be required to buy special foods, and whether you’ll be able to cancel if the program doesn’t meet your needs. Legitimate programs may have a contract or require a commitment for a certain period of time, while others may offer more flexibility.
· Be skeptical of products claiming to help you lose weight without diet or exercise. Be especially wary of any product that promises miraculous results without any effort. Weight loss is a process that is influenced by several factors, including diet, exercise, genetics and overall health.
· Be wary of a lack of ingredient list, as some companies may not disclose certain ingredients that can have harmful side effects or interact negatively with prescription drugs. In the United States, dietary supplements are not regulated to the same extent as pharmaceutical drugs, which may allow some companies to not disclose all the ingredients in their products.
· Check the ingredients of a product with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and be cautious of taking special pills, powders or herbs. Check the FDA’s list of public notifications regarding potentially harmful weight-loss products.
· Carefully review all terms and conditions of any weight loss product you’re considering purchasing. Make sure you understand the purchase and any recurring charges, including any automatic subscription.
· Research the company with BBB.org before purchasing. Be aware that many companies promoting “miracle” weight loss products have poor ratings with the BBB. Read reviews and complaints about the company to see if there are any complaints alleging it’s a scam.
Start your journey right by using these tips and taking the necessary precautions to protect your health and finances this new year.
Reghan Winkler is executive director of the Better Business Bureau serving West Central Ohio. The BBB may be found on the Internet at bbb.org/us/oh/lima.
