Weight Loss Scams
Those New Year’s resolutions are already collecting dust, but with beach season fast approaching, you may finally be desperate to shed some pounds. Watch out! Scammers know this, and they’re out to trap you in one of their ruses with the promise of rapid, guaranteed weight loss that’s practically effortless.
Please don’t fall into their trap! Let’s examine the various weight-loss scams, red flags that can alert you to a possible ruse, and steps you can take to avoid getting scammed.
Types of weight-loss scams
Weight-loss scams come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the more common weight loss scams:
Pseudoscience and gimmicks
Many weight-loss scams hide behind pseudoscientific jargon or use gimmicky gadgets to legitimize their claims. Terms like “metabolic boosting,” “fat-burning zone,” or “cellulite-blasting technology” may sound impressive, but they generally lack credible scientific evidence.
Hidden costs and auto-billing
Some scams lure consumers in with free trials or low introductory fees. Once the victim is part of the program, they’ll be hit with steep fees and membership dues. The “weight-loss program” will also require you to sign up for auto-billing, making it difficult or impossible to cancel your membership.
Magic pills and supplements
These products claim to melt away fat, suppress appetite, or boost metabolism with little to no effort. Unfortunately, many—if not most—of these supplements are unregulated and may contain harmful ingredients or ineffective doses.
Extreme fad diets
Fad diets come and go like trending memes. From beet juice cleanses to food plans consisting solely of cabbage soup, these diets promise super-rapid weight loss by severely restricting calorie intake or eliminating entire food groups. While they may result in short-term weight loss, fad diets are generally unsustainable and can lead to nutritional deficiencies and long-term health complications.
Weight-loss product scams
Scammy weight-loss products can be ridiculously overpriced, may contain harmful or unregulated drugs, or may offer a free trial that comes with hidden charges.
A search of the company on the BBB website brings up reports of scams. Generally, it’s a good idea not to trust weight-loss products offering results without requiring you to change your eating habits or lifestyle. The FTC cautions that weight-loss body wraps, patches, creams, lotions, or gadgets are always scams.How can I spot a weight-loss scam?
Look out for these red flags which can alert you to a possible weight-loss scam:
- Specific time frames and goals. If a weight-loss product or plan promises that you’ll lose a specific number of pounds in a set amount of time, run the other way and don’t look back. No one can tell you you’ll lose 10 pounds in a week or melt three inches off your waist without exercise.
- Free or low-cost introductory period. Be extra wary of a weight-loss program that offers membership for no or at a low cost for a short time but requires you to sign up for a long-term membership.
- Manipulative marketing tactics. Scammers often prey on individuals’ insecurities and emotions, using before-and-after photos, bogus celebrity endorsements, and fabricated testimonials to create a sense of urgency and desperation. This emotional manipulation makes it difficult for consumers to separate fact from fiction.
- Lots of scientific jargon. You may be looking at a scam if you can barely make heads or tails of the copy on the weight-loss ad.
- ‘Detox’ language. Don’t automatically believe an ad that tells you our bodies need outside help to eliminate natural toxins. The body has a built-in filtering system through the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Eating lots of produce and fiber and exercising regularly can help your body clean out toxins effectively.
How to avoid weight-loss scams
If you’re looking to join a weight-loss program and getting scammed is not on your to-do list this month, follow these steps to stay safe:
First, stay clear of any program featuring any red flags described here. Next, carefully research any program you are considering by looking up online reviews, contacting previous participants, and searching the program name with the word “scam” to see what the internet spits out. Don’t sign up for auto-billing unless you see a clear and reasonable cancellation policy. Finally, if you’re still stuck, consult a professional, such as a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, or health care provider, for personalized guidance and support on your weight-loss journey.
Keep your money and your body safe from weight loss scams! We hope your year is scam-free and healthy!