Three tips to spot weight loss scams

Photo by Michael Chen

Can you spot a weight loss scam? What are the warning signs? 

Defrauded investors in Bernie Madoff’s 50 billion dollar Ponzi scheme once again proved the wisdom in the oft-repeated adage—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The same hard truth applies to weight loss schemes. 

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. A flood of information on the health consequences of carrying surplus pounds has sensitized millions of citizens to the need for weight loss. The result is an explosion in demand for fat loss products, many of which are fraudulent. 

These scam artists exploit a heartfelt desire to be healthy and fit. Some can be dangerous to your health; all can damage your bank account. Protect your health and your wallet by learning how to spot them. Here are three claims that tip you off that the product is fraudulent (FIT): 

F: Flatten your stomach and lose a pound a day with our revolutionary product. Discover the benefits of this miraculous diet supplement that safely produces rapid weightloss in even the most stubborn cases. Thousands of satisfied customers can’t be wrong.

I: Indulge in your favorite foods, forget about boring exercise—and still lose weight! Our researchers discovered a breakthrough supplement that can effortlessly boost your metabolism and make fat cells and cellulite disappear while you sleep.

T: Try our product today before the special introductory offer ends. Order a six month supply of our exclusive product and enjoy more energy, better sleep and more satisfying sex. If you’re not completely satisfied, return the unused portion and your money will be refunded.

As you can see, the features of the scams typically include an undocumented research breakthrough, unrealistic claims, effortless weight loss and a wide range of benefits unrelated to weight loss. Scammers also ask for payment upfront, counting on the fact that most dissatisfied customers will not bother to request a refund. Customers who do request a refund may be ignored.

If you need to lose weight, begin with a health care professional, such as a dietitian or your local physician. Check to see if your hospital has a wellness center that offers free or low-cost health education. Focus on improving your health through the adoption of more healthful habits. Your goal is to become fit—weight loss is a wonderful by-product. 

Independent of what any advertisement claims, the rules for losing weight remain unchanged—exercise regularly and consume fewer calories each day than your body burns. Any product that tries to persuade you otherwise is a scam.

Read more articles by Carole Carson, Senior Healthy Living Examiner.