My mum is always a wise consumer. But, one day, she told me that she has bought a “magic soap” which her friend claimed that can help burn tummy fat and “wash” away cellulite. She is not alone. Many more people are taking the easy way when they want to lose weight. This mindset opens the door to various fraudulent scams.
According to the statistic in year 2004, about 4.8 million consumers in the US were the victims of weight loss scams. In fact, this amount of victims are more than the foreign lottery scam. Therefore, it is good that you know what the common weight loss scams are out there so that you will not fall into any of them.
How To Spot Weight Loss Scams
Most of these weight loss products have at least two or more of the following characteristics:
- Be wary of claims that promise immediate or guaranteed weight loss products like pills, patches or creams.
- Scammers also exploit victim with promises of success with little effort. Many weight loss scams claims that you will achieve great results without having doing exercise or even modify your diet.
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- Be cautious of vaguely worded testimonials that are hard be verified. Remember that testimonials should not be used as any substitute for scientific proof of a weight loss product’s effectiveness.
- Some also engage celebrities to sell the products. In almost all the cases, the celebrities already have that slim body shape before they become the spoke person for the products.
- Some of these products are sold outside normal commercial distribution channels. For example, through the internet, by unqualified individuals or mail order advertisements.
- Some also demands large advanced payment.
- Watch out for buzzwords such as “breakthrough,” “secret,” “exclusive,” or “miraculous” in advertisements. No scientific facts. Only misleading words. Some of the buzzwords are:
- Peel away the pounds by melting them.
- No more exercise. Lose weight the easy way.
- Another incredible discovery
- Absorbs fat like a magnet
- Clinically proven to burn fat without exercising
- Breakthrough natural weight loss product
How Not To Fall Into The Weight Loss Scams:
Do your homework. Some of the things you should have in mind:
- Remember that we do not have magic pills, creams or drinks that is meant for rapid weight loss.
- Look for evidence and not to trust the testimonials shown in the advertisements. They are actors who get paid to be on the TV. Always seek the advice of qualified health care professionals such as dietitian or your doctor. Losing money is one thing. Having your health affected badly because of these products is the last thing you want.
- Read all the terms and conditions carefully. Pay close attention to the terms for the “money back guarantee” offer.
If the product looks too good to be true, yes, it is probably is. When comes to weight loss products, it is wise to be skeptical. I hope that the next time you see an advertisement of “lose a pound a day and 7 pounds a week” weight loss product, you will know what to do.
Run.
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FoxTwo // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:47 am
Well written! I agree wholeheartedly! There is no magic in weight loss - just hard work and discipline.
GymRat // Apr 22, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Mun, I agree with you 100%! If these pills, creams or drinks really works, then our time and effort in gym is totally wasted..! The best way to lose weight and maintain it for a long time is through exercise, and only exercise .. =)
fitnhappy // Apr 23, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Hello mun, A fitness enthusiast myself I read your blogs with great interest.
To be honest I was among one of those who fell prey to the lure of “lose fat fast and easy” . I used to be a state level athlete and have been pretty slim all my adult life. It was only about two years ago that i gave up exercising due to a hectic work schedule. A year ago (out of desperation) i joined a reputed slimming centre in the vicinity of, my workplace which guaranteed weight loss. This slimming centre is called VLCC (india) has many branches across the country. They often come out with full page ads in popular newspapers. When I spoke to a fitness counsellor she said no exercise was necessary and i could eat pretty much what i wanted because all their lotions and cream do all the hard work. In fact she went on to say that quote- “exercise is ok for younger people but how will you exercise as you get older and as for dieting , would you be able to stick to it for the rest of your life??? Wow..i thought ..so true..so i went ahead and signed up paying a hefty sum. No sooner had they printed my receipt, i was counseled by their inhouse doctor on the benefit of exercise and eating healthy…hmmm ????? i was further informed that 45 mins of brisk walking was compulsory while taking their treatment.. I argued that if i did have 45 mins to spare why would I come here. Anyway since no refund was possible I decided to stick on with treatment.
At end of 6 sessions there was not even a gram of weight loss. Frustrated with the outcome they accused me of not taking that 45 minute brisk walk or eating right. When i reminded them of their promise of No diet/no exercise they tried to wriggle out of it. Many arguments later they agreed to change the package to one of beauty care.
i Found out that their counsellors were given a crash course in diet and nutrition, some of their doctors are just out of med school and most of thier machines like the electrical vibrator konk off mid way through the sessions. .
I learnt my lesson- soon after this episode, i made time to run by investing in a treadmill at home..happy to report that I am fit as fiddle and have lost nearly 4 kgs over a period of 2 months…Sometimes desperation leads a person to not think rationally which is what happened to me. I was an idiot period! I hope others too will learn a lesson from my experience. The best way to lose weight and stay fit is through exercise and proper nutrition and all other methods can go to hell..thats my fitness mantra forever!!!