The pursuit of weight loss can be a complex and often frustrating journey. The market is flooded with products promising miraculous results, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate solutions and potential scams. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of "It Works" weight loss products, examining their claims, ingredients, potential risks, and customer reviews, while also offering guidance on how to identify and avoid weight loss scams in general.
Understanding Weight Loss Scams
The weight loss industry is rife with scams that exploit consumers' desire for quick and easy solutions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that at the start of each year, consumers are bombarded with "new year, new you" advertising, some of which are simply scams designed to take your money. Scammers often use online ads for weight loss pills, patches, or creams that appear to be news reports about a "miraculous" new product. These ads may even steal logos from legitimate news organizations to appear more credible.
Melanie McGovern, a spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau (BBB), advises consumers to be wary of advertisements that promise incredible results. "People want to believe a product is going to work," McGovern told USA TODAY. She recommends searching for product reviews and the word "scam" on search engines to see what information is available. It's also important to be aware that endorsements and before-and-after pictures are often fake. The FTC warns that scammers often use stock or altered photographs, not real photos of people who have used the product.
Spotting False Promises
The FTC offers several tips for identifying false promises in weight loss advertisements:
- If someone says you don’t have to watch what you eat to lose weight, that’s a scam.
- If someone says using their product helps you lose weight permanently, that’s a scam.
- If someone tells you that to lose weight all you have to do is take their pill, that’s a scam.
- If someone promises you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days, that’s a scam.
- If anyone says their product works for everyone, that’s a scam.
"It Works" Products: A Closer Look
"It Works" is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company that sells a variety of health and wellness products, including weight loss supplements, body wraps, and skincare items. While some individuals report positive experiences with these products, others express concerns about their effectiveness, cost, and potential side effects. It is important to approach "It Works" products with caution, conduct thorough research, and consult with a healthcare professional before use.
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Customer Reviews: A Mixed Bag
Customer reviews of "It Works" products are mixed, with some users reporting positive results and others expressing disappointment.
Some customers have praised the products for helping them lose weight, gain energy, and improve their overall health. For example, one reviewer stated, "I’ve been using ItWorks products for a while now, and I can honestly say they’ve transformed my health and wellbeing. My journey started with StartKick, and from there, everything began to shift in a positive direction. I’ve lost weight, gained energy, and feel healthier than I have in years." Another reviewer shared, "I purchased this product hoping to lose some weight after my last baby. the products did exactly what they said they would, 3 months in I lost 30 LBs!!! As a mom of 4 I never thought id be this confident and happy not only lost weight but feel so incredible, energy is up gut health is so good!"
However, many other customers have reported negative experiences, including a lack of results, unpleasant side effects, and issues with the company's subscription practices. One reviewer wrote, "Products are very expensive and I had no noticeable results. I tried the BRN, TFXX, clense and gummies. Spent over £300 over 3 months. My advice to people considering these Products is not to bother." Another customer shared, "I purchased the weight control bundle but I had to stop about 2 weeks in, it made me extremely sick with stomach pains. I paid way over $125 for it and ended up not getting any 'promised' results from the distributor." Some customers have also complained about being enrolled in unwanted subscriptions and having difficulty canceling their memberships.
Potential Risks and Concerns
Several concerns have been raised regarding the safety and efficacy of "It Works" products. Some products have been accused of not advertising certain ingredients that can come with harmful side effects or mix adversely with prescription drugs. Additionally, the BBB has issued warnings about free trial offers that can turn into "subscription traps," hooking consumers into expensive shipments of products they did not agree to buy.
It's also important to note that the FDA has found tainted weight loss products. In recent years, the FDA has discovered hundreds of dietary supplements that contain potentially harmful drugs or other chemicals not listed on the product label.
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BBB's Stance on "It Works"
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.
General Tips for Avoiding Weight Loss Scams
The BBB offers several additional tips for avoiding weight loss scams:
- Don't be quick to trust endorsements. Scammers often use pictures of celebrities, TV show mentions, or well-known company logos to gain consumers' trust without permission. Always research the company before doing business with it.
- Check a product's ingredients with the FDA. Be suspicious of taking special pills, powders, or herbs. Some products have been recalled for containing ingredients with possibly dangerous effects. Check the list of public notifications from the FDA on potentially harmful weight loss products.
- Think twice if there's no ingredient list. Some companies have been accused of not advertising certain ingredients that can come with harmful side effects or mix adversely with prescription drugs.
- Be wary of free trial offers, and before signing up, understand the terms and conditions. These deals can become "subscription traps" that hook consumers into expensive shipments of products they did not agree to buy.
- Be cautious of any contract that takes payment from your credit card until you cancel.
- Be realistic about your fitness goals. It's hard work to lose weight. Find a program you can stick with, preferably one you enjoy.
- If you need help, ask your doctor for suggestions.
- Research the company with BBB.org. Read reviews about the company to see if there are any scam complaints.
FDA Public Notifications: Hidden Ingredients
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a list of public notifications regarding weight loss products found to contain hidden drug ingredients. This list serves as a crucial resource for consumers seeking to make informed decisions about weight loss supplements. Products on this list have been found to contain undeclared pharmaceuticals or other potentially harmful substances that could pose a risk to consumers' health.
Examples of Products with Hidden Ingredients (as of late 2024/2025):
- Fatzorb
- Toki Slimming Candy
- LipoFit Turbo
- Thermo Shock
- ITCHA XS
- Body Shape Weight Loss System
- Govvi Wow!
This is just a small sample, the FDA list contains many more products, dating back several years. Consumers are strongly advised to consult the full list on the FDA website before purchasing any weight loss product.
The presence of hidden ingredients in weight loss products is a serious concern. These ingredients are often not disclosed on the product label, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are actually taking. Hidden ingredients can interact with other medications, cause adverse side effects, and pose significant health risks.
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The Truth About Weight Loss
The truth is that there’s no magic way to lose weight without a sensible diet and regular exercise. No product will let you eat all the food you want and still lose weight. Permanent weight loss requires permanent lifestyle changes, so don’t trust any product that promises once-and-for-all results. Even FDA-approved fat-absorption blockers or appetite suppressants won’t result in weight loss on their own. Those products need to be taken with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise. Products promising lightning-fast weight loss are always a scam. Worse, they can ruin your health.