As consumers make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and lead healthier lifestyles, many companies offer dieting supplements claiming to make weight loss easier. Better Business Bureau advises consumers to carefully evaluate weight loss supplements before purchasing.
“Every year there’s a new cream, pill, drink or fad diet that promises spectacular weight-loss results,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “Consumers who want to get in shape or lose weight are at risk of being deceived by products that do not work as advertised or come with a host of unwanted side effects.”
BBB received more than 700 complaints about weight loss products in 2017. Many consumer complaints described weight loss programs as difficult to cancel, even if the product doesn’t work as claimed in the ads.
Some consumers said they believed they were making a one-time purchase but then received recurring charges to their credit cards for more of the product. When they contacted customer service, they were informed they had signed up for a subscription, which was only disclosed in the terms and conditions of their original purchase, which the consumers had not seen.
In other, similar complaints, consumers described being notified of an additional shipment of the weight loss product they did not order. When they tried to contact the company to cancel, the company claimed the item had already shipped, and the consumer struggled to receive a refund for the shipped product. Many consumers also filed complaints after being unable to reach the weight loss goals stated in advertising for the product.
Before you invest in a weight-loss supplement, BBB offers these tips:
• Ask your doctor what an achievable weight loss goal for you would be. Beware of claims that you will lose dozens of pounds within a short time period like a few weeks; most people’s bodies can’t accommodate that kind of weight loss.
• Read all terms and conditions for any weight loss product you buy. Make sure you are purchasing only the items you wish to purchase, and are not signing up for a subscription unless you want it.
• Research a business’s reputation. Some dishonest actors in the industry sell products that don’t work, have uncomfortable side effects, or both.
• Avoid products that claim to help you lose weight without diet or exercise. Doctors, dieticians and other experts agree losing weight takes work. Pass up any product that promises miraculous results without any effort.
• Be skeptical of claims that you don’t have to give up favorite foods or reduce the amount you consume. Try filling up on healthy vegetables and fruits so you can resist high-calorie treats. However, eliminating all your favorites could set you up to fail. It’s better to limit portion size or how frequently you indulge.
• Determine your fitness goals. It’s hard work to lose weight. Find a program you can stick with, preferably one you enjoy. Does a weight loss plan require you to buy special foods? Can you cancel if you move or find the program doesn’t meet your needs?
• Check with BBB before you buy any product subscriptions. Anyone can check a company’s BBB Business Profile at bbb.org or by calling 888-996-3887. Profiles include the firm’s complaint history and whether the complaints were resolved. If customers have written reviews, they may appear on a company’s profile.
For more advice or to find BBB Business Profiles of businesses or charities, call 888-996-3887 or go online to bbb.org.