Federal Trade Commission Holds The Line on False Weight Loss Claims
The Federal Trade Commission is set up to hold the line on false weight loss advertising.
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Because being overweight or obese causes serious health problems. The relationship between excess body weight and heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and certain cancers is well established. There also is the greater possibility of surgical risks when the patient is obese. The problem of obesity cuts across age, race, ethnic groups, and gender - it is an equal opportunity epidemic, and it has become a major health crisis.
"Overweight and obesity are major public health issues. Research shows that about 54 percent of American adults are overweight or obese and an estimated 45 million Americans diet each year. While diet and exercise are still considered the best ways to lose weight and maintain it, consumers often seek help to reach their goal," said Jodie Bernstein, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, and a Partnership member.
Chairman Muris of the Federal Trade Comission was asked to speak aboutthe FTC's efforts to stop deceptive weigh loss advertising.
This is an excerpt from his talk on February 11, 2003 in New York.
"This issue has been at the top of our agenda since I became Chairman in 2001. It involves a multibillion-dollar-a-year industry, a wide spectrum of media, and a plague of deceptive claims. These ads promise that their products will cause fast and substantial weight loss without dieting, exercise, or any other effort. These ads urge consumers just to take a pill, or wear a belt, patch, a certain earring, or a particular shoe insole - which will miraculously result in loss of excess weight and body fat.
You know the ones I mean because they are everywhere - in magazines, newspapers, supermarket tabloids, infomercials, commercial e-mail, Internet websites, on the radio, and, yes, on cable TV.
Certainly, there are legitimate weight loss products and programs being advertised truthfully and responsibly. Yet, too many advertisements make claims that are grossly exaggerated and blatantly false. They tout quick fixes and magic bullets that cannot possibly provide the promised results. They frequently feature claims like the ones I just showed you: "Eat as much as you want--the more you eat, the more you'll lose." Another good one is, "Lose up to 8 to 10 pounds a week--no dieting, no strenuous exercise."
Some of the claims considered were:
(1) "Consumers who use the advertised product can lose substantial weight without reducing caloric intake and/or increasing their physical activity"; and
(2) "The advertised product will cause substantial weight loss for all users";
(3) "The advertised product will cause permanent weight loss";
(4) "Consumers who use the advertised product can lose substantial weight while still enjoying unlimited amounts of high-calorie foods";
(5) "Consumers who use the advertised product can lose weight only from those parts of the body where they wish to lose weight";
(6) "The advertised product will cause substantial weight loss through the blockage or absorption of fat or calories";
(7) "Consumers can lose substantial weight through the use of the advertised product that is worn on the body and rubbed into the skin"
In addition, this is a quote from the FTC Partnership for Health and Weight Management Department. The Partnership is comprised of 41 organizations and individuals, including representatives from industry groups, public advocacy organizations, government agencies, scientific associations and academia.
"The Partnership for Health Weight Management is a landmark effort on behalf of the millions of consumers who are trying to lose weight. When 41 organizations from government, industry and the advocacy community agree that consumers need information to evaluate weight loss products and services, it's a big deal."
For more information about the Federal Trade Commission, please click here.