Columnist
Many people resolve to lose weight in the New Year. That makes them vulnerable to bogus claims about products that at best might be a waste of money and at worst dangerous.
There is no “secret ingredient,” “breakthrough formula,” or “ancient remedy” that will help you lose weight quickly with no change in your lifestyle. The CDC says losing weight is not easy and takes commitment. People who lose weight gradually and steadily (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more successful at keeping it off.
The FTC and FDA have landed on companies making false weight loss claims about dietary supplements, body wraps, skin patches and other products. There are even ads online for magnetic rings (earrings, toe rings and so on) that will supposedly help you lose weight. I didn’t see any regulatory actions involving them, but did find reports from experts saying they don’t work.
In 2020, the FTC settled allegations against a company that claimed its “detox tea” could help people lose weight. It promoted other teas as effective in fighting cancer, clearing clogged arteries, relieving migraines and preventing the flu.
Another company claimed that users of its product could “lose up to 15 pounds your first month…without diets or changing your food or lifestyle choices” and “without adding any exercise.” Satisfied users depicted in infomercials were actually actors.
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