Diet Companies And What You Should Know About False Advertising
By Lisa Shanken
November 10, 2015
Diet Companies And What You Should Know About False Advertising
Deceptive advertising and weight loss products (unfortunately) go hand in hand. Many products include intentionally misleading testimonials and marketing methods to sell their products, when in truth their products may be dangerous or provide no benefit. Customers flock to products seeking simple solutions, only to find their investment wasted.
But there is hope as diet companies get caught and penalized by the government for their deceptive practices.
Two such diet companies are Sensa and HGC Diet Direct. Sensa, you may recall, was a diet product comprised of “sprinkles” placed on to food to create feeling fuller after a meal and encouraging weight loss. As it turns out, the weight loss claims touted by the brand in their marketing tactics, as well as the before and after pictures, were not accurate, ultimately leading to a $26.5 million payout by Sensa to its customers.
Not all of these class action lawsuit settlements work in the customer’s favor, however, like in the case of HGC Diet Direct. HGC claimed to market a human hormone supplement that could aid in weight loss, which were later found to be unfounded and misleading. But unlike Sensa, HGC was unable to pay the settlement, causing the judgment to be suspended (and customers being left only with a thinner wallet).
Beware Of Weight Loss "Miracle" Products
False advertising methods are rather common with diet companies, and 99.9% of “miracle” products result in (at best) disappointment and smaller bank accounts and (at worst) bodily damage to their customers.
Is life full of miracles? Yes!
But as a trained health coach with over 14 years of experience, I can tell you there are no miracles when it comes to weight loss.
Your path to losing weight (and more importantly - keeping it off forever) is a realistic approach based on applying proven nutrition, fitness and healthy cooking strategies to live a healthy lifestyle.
Have you or anyone you know fallen prey to a weight loss scam? Please share!
Credits:
- "Weight-loss companies charged with false advertising." CNN. January 8, 2014.http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/08/health/weight-loss-companies-fraud/
2. "FTC Orders Weight Loss Companies to Pay $34M to Consumers." Top Class Actions. January 13, 2014. http://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/12884-ftc-order…
Lisa Shanken
My passion is to help you live your healthiest and most harmonious life, but in a way that’s realistic and practical for you as a unique individual on this planet. My philosophy is all about “balance,” never a diet since a diet is not sustainable for life, aka Kill The Diet.
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Testimonials
Lisa’s weight loss plan really gave me a new insight to healthy eating and living. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2015. Healthy living/easting/exercise has become very important to me and my family and this program really helped me get even more on the course with this and helped me lose weight.
Danielle D, Great Neck, NY
When I heard about the 10 Day Weight Loss Challenge, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit, since as a physician, I understand nutrition and health (and therefore knew the dangers of fad diets, etc…), and I do my best to exercise (though not always enough). But as a single mother of 2, it’s still very challenging ti “fit in all in” (including cooking healthy meals for my children) due to my busy schedule. And when my time is short, bad habits crop up and weight gain follows.
Dr. Gila Ackerman, Boulder, CO
Psychiatrist
Lisa has made an enormous contribution to my health and strength. I have seen and felt the most fantastic changes in an amazingly short time.
Chessie F, Boulder, CO
I just wanted to say you were amazing through this 10 day process! I learned so much from you! You were very thorough in all areas of the challenge and got back to us in such a quick manner with our questions. It was a great jump start into a more healthy life style that’s for sure!
Colby E, Boulder, Colorado
I LOVE the recipes, simple, few ingredients, appealing. I like the idea of using the list of staples you provided when i was tempted to cheat!
Phyliss S, Spring House, PA
I worked with Lisa to develop a holistic wellness plan that has allowed personal growth without having to completely change my lifestyle. Her programs are designed around your personal needs, so I always feel like I've gotten the most from my sessions and leave with manageable goals. Lisa's three-prong approach to wellness (fitness, nutrition and health) is helping me live a balanced and grateful life.
Ali S., Boulder, CO
I’ve been through the ringer with different dieting plans through the years. Some helped me lose weight and some didn’t – but it didn’t matter because I would always gain it back. I didn’t know if this 10 day Weight Loss Challenge would be the answer since everyone says they have the “BEST” way to lose weight. But this one seemed to be more doable – like instead of starving myself, keeping track of calories (“been there done that – VERY annoying!”) and things I know I wouldn’t stick to.
Jill W, Park, NY
Lisa, you have been a very positive role model for me! Through the exercise and diet I’m becoming healthy and more positive about my life!!! Thanks!