The pursuit of weight loss is a common aspiration, often intensified by New Year's resolutions and societal pressures. This desire, however, makes consumers vulnerable to deceptive advertising and problematic reviews surrounding weight loss products and programs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) actively works to protect consumers from these deceptive practices, but it's crucial to be informed and cautious.
The FTC's Role in Protecting Consumers
The FTC plays a vital role in safeguarding consumers from misleading advertising. Over the past several years, the agency has been cracking down on influencers who promote weight loss products without proper disclosure. For instance, warning letters were sent to influencers, including singer Cardi B, who promoted a weight loss tea. The FTC mandates that influencers clearly and upfront disclose if they’ve been paid to promote a product. According to Rasmussen, "It can be difficult or impossible for the consumer to know that an influencer’s post is really an ad in disguise."
Red Flags in Weight Loss Advertising
Identifying deceptive claims is the first step in protecting yourself. Here are some common red flags to watch out for:
- Promises of Speedy Slimming: Be wary of claims promising rapid weight loss. Considering the body’s ability to break down fat, realistic weight loss is about 10 pounds a month for women and 15 pounds a month for men, according to Lazarus.
- Assurances That No Change of Habit Is Needed: A supplement may claim that users can lose weight while eating as much as they want.
- Effusive Language: Terms like "miracle," "revolutionary," or "scientific breakthrough" are often used to lure consumers. A few years ago, a green tea extract was said to be effective for weight loss, Lazarus says. “That was on every street corner and in every mall."
- Endorsements: “Any supplement that says it’s approved by the FDA should be a red flag,” Ng says.
- Free Trial Offers: These offers can damage your wallet. “You may need to put in a credit card for shipping, and then all of a sudden, you’re getting charged (monthly),” McGovern says. Carefully scrutinize offers. Watch for pre-checked boxes that authorize the company to charge you for regular orders or additional products. Don’t sign up for subscriptions unless there’s an option to cancel.
- Buying Medications Online: Ng cautions against buying medications on the internet. “Who are you giving your health information to?” McGovern asks.
The Allure and Risks of Weight Loss Drugs
The hype surrounding weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound is hard to ignore. Ozempic, originally intended for diabetes treatment, was quickly adopted for weight loss. Wegovy, a high-dose version, is officially marketed as an obesity treatment. Zepbound joined their ranks in November. These medications have sparked hope and debate, raising questions about whether they deepen bias against fat or offer a genuine solution for obesity.
The history of weight loss medication is filled with drugs that initially seemed promising but later revealed serious risks. Fen-phen, a popular diet drug in the ’90s, was later linked to vascular and cardiac issues. Amphetamines, once widely prescribed for weight loss, were associated with high blood pressure, heart complications, anxiety, and aggression, not to mention their addictive nature.
Read also: Understanding Ozempic
Despite the skepticism, experts like Koliwad believe the latest treatments, which mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), may offer a viable solution for some patients. GLP-1 drugs curb hunger, slow down the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, and increase insulin production, ultimately leading to reduced food intake. Obese patients have experienced significant weight loss on Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). Diana Thiara notes that these results can be “amazing and life-changing” for people with obesity. Studies suggest semaglutide can also lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
However, these drugs come with potential side effects like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and constipation. Some patients have even sued drugmakers after developing conditions like stomach paralysis and bowel obstructions. Koliwad emphasizes that these drugs are not for everyone, stating, “The stomach contents are retained sometimes for days on GLP-1s. People facing surgery have fasted for 24 hours so they can safely get anesthesia."
Navigating the GLP-1 Landscape: Access, Shortages, and Telehealth
The new weight loss medications are approved by the FDA only for obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater, with exceptions for related conditions like high blood pressure. The soaring demand for GLP-1s has led to shortages, prompting the FDA to add semaglutide and tirzepatide to the Drug Shortages Database, allowing compounding pharmacies to produce generic versions. Telehealth companies have begun selling these drugs at lower prices.
However, Koliwad and Thiara are concerned about the lack of meaningful medical supervision provided by telehealth companies, noting that many patients experience problems with side effects and end up in emergency rooms or with specialists.
Shortages and insurance coverage limitations further complicate access to GLP-1 agonists. Many insurers won’t cover these drugs unless the patient has been diagnosed with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. A 2003 law prohibits Medicare from covering drugs for weight loss alone, and states decide whether to cover the drugs under Medicaid.
Read also: Customer Experiences with Bliss
Beyond Medication: A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
While GLP-1 medications offer help, they are not a magic bullet. Exercise remains crucial for overall health, and the nutritional quality of food matters. Talya Kurzion advises patients taking GLP-1s to prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
The focus on aesthetics, driven by social media trends and "ozempick [sic] before and afters," can create unrealistic expectations. Thiara notes that some patients plateau after a year on Wegovy and seek further solutions, highlighting the disconnect between average weight loss and desired appearance.
The rise of GLP-1s also raises concerns about a return to ’90s-era obsession with thinness. Jason Nagata emphasizes that social pressure to look thin never really went away and that eating disorders can affect people of all sizes. He suggests that patients taking GLP-1s regularly consult with a physician or nutritionist to monitor their progress and identify unhealthy behaviors.
Furthermore, the long-term effects of GLP-1s are still being studied. Studies indicate that people who discontinue the drugs often regain much of their lost weight. While Koliwad suggests the possibility of using GLP-1s for a period, adjusting eating and exercise habits, and then maintaining weight with coaching or other support, Thiara remains less optimistic.
Ultimately, addressing excess weight requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex social, environmental, and genetic factors involved. As Thiara points out, "We live in a food environment that is constantly pressuring people to make indulgent decisions.”
Read also: Victoza: Dosage, side effects, and weight loss results
Recognizing Fake Stories Online
Scammers often create fake "news" reports about ingredients in diet pills, like garcinia cambogia or gonji, claiming they are effective for weight loss. They may use public photos of reporters to make the reports seem legitimate. They also write glowing online reviews or pay others to do so, or they simply copy positive comments from other fake sites. Additionally, they use images showing dramatic weight loss, but these images are just stock or altered photographs.
Other Fitness and Weight Loss Products
Electronic muscle stimulators may temporarily strengthen, tone, or firm a muscle, but they haven’t been shown to help you lose weight. If you decide to join a gym, read the contract carefully and confirm that it includes everything the salesperson promised. Also, find out if there’s a “cooling-off” or trial period, and check out the cancellation policy. Home exercise equipment can be a great way to shape up, but only if you use it regularly.
Public Notifications of Tainted Weight Loss Products
The FDA maintains a list of public notifications regarding potentially harmful weight loss products. These products have been found to contain hidden drug ingredients.