Most people have tried to diet at least one time in their lives. The thought of being healthy and thin sometimes pushes people to try any diet that claims to produce amazing results. You can find ads that promise weight loss everywhere you turn. Sometimes they'll even promise results without exercise or dieting.

Consumers should always be skeptical of claims made by weight loss ads. Advertisers know that they usually need to promise outstanding results before consumers will try the products they're peddling. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) tells consumers to think twice before purchasing weigh loss products. A healthy dose of skepticism is valuable in protecting you from a diet scam.

Weight Loss Claims

Weight loss ads make many bold claims. They splash certain key statements in large letters all over the ads to attract consumers. Many of these claims are half-truths or outright false. Here are some common weight loss claims and the actual truth:

You'll lose 30 pounds in just 30 days!

Doctors recommend losing weight at a much slower rate. The quicker your weight loss, the more likely you'll just gain it back. Losing one to two pounds a week is the normal weight loss recommended by experts to keep it off.

Keep off the lost weight for good!

Most people have to make permanent lifestyle changes for permanent weight loss. Products that promise permanent weight loss just using it once aren't to be trusted.

You'll lose weight without diet or exercise!

Losing weight at a healthy pace requires work and commitment. Sacrificing certain types of food or the amount of food is usually needed to lose weight. Exercise is also usually needed for a healthy body. Be skeptical of any ads that claim a diet and exercise aren't needed.

Everyone who uses this product will lose weight!

Everyone is different and has unique eating habits. Certain weight loss programs will work for some people and not for others.

You'll lose weight in your sleep!

Consumers want to believe in the easy solution to weight loss. Nothing sounds easier than losing weight while you sleep. However, these products don't work. You'll need to make an effort to lose weight when you're awake.

Our miracle cream or patch is guaranteed to melt your pounds away!

It sounds great to just apply a cream or patch to your body to help lose weight. However, these products will only help you lose money and not pounds.

Losing Weight the Healthy Way

Consumers need to understand that losing weight requires effort. There's no easy fix. Diet and exercise are the best ways to lose weight the healthy way. Check with your doctor before you start any weight loss program.

Figure out how many calories you eat in a day. Try to reduce your calorie intake by about 500-1000 calories per day. This reduction may help you lose the recommended one to two pounds a week.

Consumers should also think about what types of food they eat and not just the number of calories. Five servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended daily. Grains, low or fat-free dairy products, and lean meats are also encouraged.

Having a well-balanced diet is key to having energy and not reducing important nutrients. Many hospitals and insurance companies will offer free diet plans that are nutritionally sound. You can also find books in stores or libraries that offer healthy recipes that taste great.

You don't have to perform difficult and strenuous exercises to lose weight. Just moving your body by walking or biking will help with weight loss. If you don't normally exercise, make sure to start out slowly. Getting injured by doing too much at the beginning will only set you back.

Questions for Your Attorney

• How do I prove I was injured by a weight loss product?
• Are there any lawsuits involving the weight loss product I used?
• What can I do if I fall for a diet scam? Can I get my money back?

Related Resources on Lawyers.com^sm

- Contact a Consumer Law Lawyer in your area for specific legal advice, and read about Selecting a Lawyer
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- Read Consumer Laws That Protect Your Rights and Today's Most Popular Scams, or access more Consumer Law articles and information
- Legal Dictionary
- Visit the Legal Forums for discussions on General Consumer Rights

Related Web Links

- Federal Trade Commission: Health Page