Working on your ‘summer body?’ Be mindful of health and weight loss scams! Here are some tips.
The New York state
Division of Consumer Protection is reminding consumers of the dangers of
deceptive ads for products that promise weight loss or improved health.
Misleading ads prey
on people’s desires for a quick fix or miracle cure - cheating you out of
money. Some products, and programs, could also be dangerous to your
health.
"Be aware of
products that over-promise unrealistic results that may be detrimental to your
wallet and to your health,” says New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary
Bassett.
According to the
Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network data, this was one of the
top 10 fraud categories in 2021, costing U.S. consumers $17 million in losses.
Below are some tips
to avoid health and weight loss scams.
1. Look out for bogus claims
A health product is
fraudulent if it is deceptively promoted as being effective against a disease
or health condition, but not scientifically proven safe and effective for that
purpose. Remember: There is no proven quick and easy way to lose weight or get
healthy.
"Nothing can
replace the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise for safe and
effective weight loss," says Dr. Bassett.
2. Look out for fake guarantees
Always read the
fine print before purchasing a health or weight loss product. A common tactic
in health care scams is the money-back guarantee, giving the appearance of a
risk-free investment.
3. Look for trustworthy reviews before purchase
Before
trying a new product, search for its name online through a trusted search
engine. Fake reviews are common, so seek verified reviews from a variety of
sources. If all you find are glowing reviews, consider if the authors may have
been paid or received free products for writing the review. Also look for complaints or lawsuits about
the product. If you see the product on social media, but the comments are turned off, beware - it’s a red flag that the company is
trying to hide honest feedback.
4. Consult a health professional
Always consult with
a primary care physician or certified health practitioner before beginning a
new medicine or dietary supplement, particularly if the product is not approved
by the Food and Drug Administration.
5. Seek reliable information for getting healthy
There are places to
seek more information on your own if you are interested in treating diseases
and ailments, backed by certified doctors and scientists.
Below are some websites
to help you get started:
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