Fitness and Weight Loss Consumer Advocate, Phil Kaplan, Shares some insight into the FTC and its powers, actions, and rulings over weight loss deception:

The Federal Trade Commission is devoted to fair practices in advertising, however, while in my opinion their intentions are good, this short history reveals that they have not been effective in putting fraudulent weight loss practices to rest.  Many companies have learned that due to the widespread use of fraud to sell weight loss targeted products, the chances of being brought up to "prove" the claims being made are slim.  Usually it's those who have proven to have an impact that are faced with FTC action, yet for many of these companies, their potential for profit simply makes the risk of FTC imposed fines a "cost of doing business."  There's lots of money being made in fraudulent weight loss "solutions."

Below you'll find some of the companies that had FTC action taken against them for misleading claims or fraudulent marketing practices.  As you read through the list, you'll find that many are simply offering re-inventions of fraudulent marketing tactics used years earlier by other marketers.  I'll insert a few of my comments throughout, but for the most part, I'll let the list stand on its own.

                                                        - Phil Kaplan

Advertising Cases Involving
Weight Loss Products and Services
1927-April 1997

Amerfit, Inc., File No. 9623172, (Mar. 25, 1997) (proposed consent) (Fat Burners weight loss system, with tablet and drink weight loss products and exercise program)

KCD Holdings, Inc., File No. 9423237 (Mar. 25, 1997) (proposed consent) (SeQuester OTC cellulose-bile weight loss product) (hmmm . . . is this something new?  Weight loss ingredients found in plants?)

Interactive Medical Technologies, Ltd.,File No. 942 3237 (Mar. 25, 1997) (proposed consent) (Lipitrol cellulose-bile weight loss product and SeQuester)

2943174 Canada, Inc.,File No. 9623224 (Mar. 25, 1997) (proposed consent) (Svelt-PATCH transdermal skin patch for weight loss) (in 2001, these patches are being marketed as "new."  They didn't work then, they don't work now!)

Guildwood Direct Ltd., File No. 9623137 (Mar. 25, 1997) (proposed consent) (Slimming Insoles for shoes, for weight loss based on reflexology) (just walk and lose!)

BodyWell, Inc.,File No. 9723021 (Mar. 25, 1997) (proposed consent) (Slimming Soles for shoes, for weight loss)

Dean Distributors, Inc., File No. 9123220 (Mar. 25, 1997) (proposed consent) (Food for Life Weight Management System and Cambridge Diet low calorie and very low calorie weight loss programs) (nothing new about calorie deprivation)

SlimAmerica, Inc., FTC v., No. 97-6072 (S.D. Fla. Jan. 29, 1997) (granting temporary restraining order, asset freeze, appointment of receiver) (Super-Formula to "blast" up to 49 pounds off user in only 29 days, "obliterate" 5 inches from waistlines, and "zap" 3 inches from thighs, without dieting or exercising)

Universal Merchants, Inc., C-3707 (Jan. 23, 1997) (consent) (weight loss and health benefits of chromium picolinate)

Victoria Bie d/b/a Body Gold, C-3708 (Jan. 22, 1997) (consent) (weight loss and health benefits of chromium picolinate)

Nutrition 21, File No. 9323282 (announced November 7, 1996) (consent agreement subject to final approval) (weight loss and health benefits of chromium picolinate)

Zygon International, Inc., C-3686 (Sept. 24, 1996) (consent and up to $195,000 in consumer redress) (Fat Burner pills to help burn fat and lose weight)

NordicTrack, Inc., C-3675 (June 17, 1996) (consent) (weight loss benefits of indoor exercise equipment)

The Diet Workshop, Inc. C-3663 (June 3, 1996) (consent) (permanent weight loss and maintenance within specified period of time by using weight loss products and program)

Johnson & Collins Research, Inc., C-3661 (May 31, 1996) (consent) (booklets directed at teenage girls containing advice about losing weight, without consciously dieting)

WLAR Co., C-3641 (Feb. 21, 1996) (consent) (booklets directed at teenage girls containing advice about losing weight, without consciously dieting)

National Dietary Research, Inc., D.9263 (Nov. 7, 1995) (consent) (Food Source One compressed plant fiber tablet for weight loss, obesity, appetite suppression, without dieting) (OK . . . so eating weight loss ingredients found in plants isn't something new)

J. Walter Thompson USA, Inc., C-3622 (Oct. 20, 1995) (consent) (advertising agency for Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program) (surveys show that nine out of ten Jenny Craig clients would recommend the program to a friend) (what the survey failed to take into account is that nine out of ten Jenny Craig clients didn't have any friends!  Their miserable diet induced demeanor chased all their friends away!)

Body Wise International, Inc., C-3617 (Sept. 25, 1995) (consent) (Future Perfect, Right Choice AM, The Reshape Formula to achieve and maintain weight loss, without dieting or exercising) (oooh - no diet, no exercise?  That's novel - combine this with a multi-level marketing program and you have a sure money maker!)

Original Marketing, Inc., C-3596 (Aug. 9, 1995) (consent) (Acu-Stop 2000 acupressure device designed to be inserted into the ear to control appetite and cause weight loss) (now we're talking.  Stick it in your ear! You won't be able to hear the dinner bell!)

IHI Clinics, Inc., C-3595 (Aug. 1, 1995) (consent) (group hypnosis seminars for losing weight)

Nature's Bounty, Inc., C-3593 (July 21, 1995) (consent) (Sleeper's Diet promotes weight loss during sleep)

European Body Concepts, Inc., C-3590 (June 23, 1995) (consent) (body wrapping treatment to lose inches, pounds, and cellulite quickly and easily, without dieting or exercising) (hey, did you ever see a fat mummy?)

Taleigh Corp., C-3587 (June 16, 1995) (consent) (FormulaTrim 3000, MegaLoss 1000, and MiracleTrim diet pills for weight loss, without dieting or exercising, and more rapidly than prolonged exercise, such as running 10 miles nonstop)

Formu-3 International, Inc., C-3568 (Apr. 11, 1995) (consent) (rate of weight loss and safety maintenance claims for weight loss center products and services )

Ninzu, Inc., C-3566 (April 7, 1995) (consent) (Ninzu, Auricle Clip, B-Trim acupressure ear devices to repress appetite and reduce weight)

Gorayeb Seminars, Inc., C-3561 (Mar. 3, 1995) (consent) (seminars promoting means to permanent weight loss)

American Institute of Smoking Cessation, Inc., C-3560 (Mar. 3, 1995) (consent) (weight loss claims for smoking cessation group hypnosis seminars)

Silueta Distributors, Inc., FTC v., No. C 93 4141 SBA (Feb. 24, 1995) (permanent injunction and $169,339 in consumer redress) (cream and tablets for reducing cellulite) (you'd have to do some pretty aggressive cream rubbing to burn enough calories to reduce cellulite!)

HealthComm Inc., United States v., No. C95-5024 RJB (W.D. Wash. Jan. 19, 1995) (stipulated permanent injunction and $45,000 civil penalty) (products and programs for weight loss by "metabolic clearing")

Bee Sweet, Inc., C-3550 (Jan. 17, 1995) (consent) (bee pollen for weight control)

Schering Corp., D. 9232, (Oct. 31, 1994) (consent) (Fibre Trim fiber supplement for appetite suppression, weight loss, weight control, and weight maintenance)

L&S Research Corp., C-3534 (Oct. 6, 1994) (consent and $1.45 million in disgorgement) ( 3 Cybergenics weight loss products to burn more fat and lose weight more quickly than nonusers) (this was huge in the Bodybuilding market.  You might have wondered why it disappeared in the mid-90's)

American Institute of Habit Control, Inc., C- 3522 (Aug. 23, 1994) (consent) (weight loss claims for smoking cessation group hypnosis seminars)

Beverly Hills Weight Loss Clinics International, Inc., C-3515 (Aug. 11, 1994) (consent)(program for rapid, safe, and long term or permanent weight loss)

Doctors Medical Weight Loss Centers, Inc., C-3516 (Aug. 11, 1994) (consent) (program for rapid and long term or permanent weight loss)

Quick Weight Loss Centers, Inc. of Georgia, C-3518 (Aug. 11, 1994) (consent) (program for rapid and long term or permanent weight loss)

Quick Weight Loss Centers, Inc. of Texas, C-3517 (Aug. 11, 1994) (consent) (program for rapid and long term or permanent weight loss, monitored by health professionals)

Lifestyle Fascination, Inc., C-3513 (Aug. 4, 1994) (consent) (Rhythm electronic acupuncture device to promote weight loss by reducing cravings for high calorie foods)

General Nutrition, Inc., United States v., No. 94-686 (W. D. Pa. Apr. 28, 1994) (stipulated permanent injunction and $2.4 million civil penalty) (Sleepers Diet to aid in attaining greater weight loss during sleep than nonuser; Fat Burners, Super Fat Blocker, and other weight loss products to lose or control weight or fat and/or suppress appetites)

Physicians Weight Loss Centers of America, Inc., 116 F.T.C. 1484 (1993) (consent) (weekly rate of customer weight loss in low calorie weight loss program; program is free of health risks; customers reach weight loss goals within certain predicted time frames)

Diet Center, Inc., 116 F.T.C. 1453 (1993) (consent) (weekly rate of customer weight loss in low calorie weight loss program )

Nutri/System, Inc., 116 F.T.C. 1408 (1993) (consent) (scientific studies show that with its low calorie program customers lose at least 29 percent more weight than dieters on other programs; customers reach weight loss goals within certain predicted time frames; program complies with American Medical Association, American Heart Association, and American Dietetic Association guidelines; Healthline magazine evaluations and ratings approved by Stanford University)

Revlon, Inc., 116 F.T.C. 1326 (1993) (consent) (Ultima II ProCollagen anti-cellulite body complex for reduction of cellulite)

Nutrition Research & Marketing, Inc., FTC v., No. 93-2031-PHX-RCB (D. Ariz. Oct. 21, 1993) (stipulated permanent injunction and $225,000 in consumer redress) (HGH-3X pill for considerable weight loss through adjustment of metabolic rate, without dieting or exercising)

Synchronal Corp., 116 F.T.C. 989 (1993) (consent and $3.5 million in consumer redress) (Anuska Bio-Response Body Contouring Program cellulite cream)

Jenny Craig, Inc., D. 9260 (Sept. 24, 1993) (complaint issued) (customers of low calorie diet program reach weight loss goals within certain predicted time frames)

Weight Watchers International, Inc., D.9261 (Sept. 24, 1993) (complaint issued) (low calorie diet program is superior to others)

Michael S. Levey, 116 F.T.C. 885 (1993) (consent and $275,000 in consumer redress) (EuroTrym Diet Patch to prevent hunger pains and promote substantial weight loss; scientific studies show that product promotes weight loss)

Health Management Resources Corp., 116 F.T.C. 799 (1993) (consent) (successful, safe, permanent weight loss through very low calorie (800 or under) weight loss program; widely accepted by medical experts)

Nature's Cleanser, Inc., 116 F.T.C. 718 (1993) (consent) (Nature's Cleanser non-laxative herbal weight loss tablet)

United Weight Control Corp., 116 F.T.C. 670 (1993) (consent) (safe, very low calorie (800 or under) weight loss program; scientifically proven to be successful over the long term in treating obesity; superior to other programs)

Abbott Laboratories, 116 F.T.C. 586 (1993) (consent) (successful, safe, permanent weight loss through very low calorie (800 or under) weight loss program)

National Media Corphttp://www.philkaplan.com/thefitnesstruth/index.htmlMedia Arts International, Ltd., 116 F.T.C. 549 (1993) (consent and $275,000 in consumer redress) (Cosmetique Francais for substantially reducing or eliminating cellulite)

Fleetwood Manufacturing, Inc., 116 F.T.C. 355 (1993) (consent) (continuous passive motion exercise table for weight loss)

CC Pollen Co., 116 F.T.C. 206 (1993) (consent and $200,000 in disgorgement) (bee pollen for weight control)

Time Out!  We're only back in 1993.  Can you already see the repetitive themes?  Cellulite creams, metabolism boosting pills, bee pollen, super low calorie diets, hypnosis, diet patches, accupressure, and passive exercise.  You've seen "lose weight while you sleep" and "weight loss without exercise" again and again and again, despite FTC actions.  And . . . every one of these approaches is being used today!  Let's keep going, there's a long way to go . . .

Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Nutrition Institute of Maryland, Inc., 115 F.T.C. 899 (1992) (consent) (successful, safe, permanent weight loss through very low calorie (800 or less) Medifast weight loss programs; physicians certified in treatment of obesity)

Sandoz Nutrition Corp., 115 F.T.C. 741 (1992) (consent) (successful, safe, permanent weight loss through very low calorie (800 or less) Optifast weight loss program; scientific studies prove program is more effective than any other weight loss programs)

National Center for Nutrition, Inc., 115 F.T.C. 722 (1992) (consent) (successful, safe, permanent weight loss through very low calorie (800 or less) Ultrafast weight loss program; scientific studies prove program is safer than any other non-VLCD programs)

Slender You, Inc., 115 F.T.C. 592 (1992) (consent) (continuous passive motion exercise tables for weight loss, without effort and pain of traditional exercising)

Nu-Day Enterprises, Inc., 115 F.T.C. 479 (1992) (consent) (Nu-Day meal substitutes to change metabolism and cause weight loss, without exercising)

Pacific Medical Clinics Management, Inc., FTC v., No. 90-1277 GT(CM) (S.D. Cal. Apr. 8, 1992) (permanent injunction and $21.5 million judgment) (medically formulated weight loss program to adjust metabolism and lose up to 1-1/2 pounds a day)

Minneapolis Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery/Dr. Scott M. Ross, 115 F.T.C. 54 (1992) (consent) (low-risk liposuction procedure (surgical removal of body fat))

Spanish Telemarketing Industries, Inc., 114 F.T.C. 754 (1991) (consent) (Faja Fantastica moisture cream and belt to lose weight, without dieting or exercising)

Amerdream Corp., FTC v., No. 91-0505 PHX RCB (D. Ariz. Oct. 30, 1991) (permanent injunction and $50,862 in consumer redress) (Ultimate Solution Diet Program tablets for weight loss; users would receive $1,000 in U.S. Treasury bonds)

Shell, Dr. William, FTC v., No. 90 0120 CBM (Kx) (C.D. Cal. Apr. 8, 1991) (stipulated permanent injunction and $20,000 in consumer redress) (Fat Magnet pills to lose weight, without dieting or exercising)

Crew, Richard, 114 F.T.C. 230 (1991) (consent) (EuroTrym Diet Patch to prevent hunger pains and promote substantial weight loss; scientific studies show that product promotes weight loss)

Francis, Robert, 114 F.T.C. 24 (1991) (consent) (EuroTrym Diet Patch to prevent hunger pains and promote substantial weight loss; scientific studies show that product promotes weight loss)

Allied International Corp., FTC v., No. 90-0120 CBM (Kx) (C.D. Cal. Nov. 14, 1990) (stipulated permanent injunction and $750,000 in consumer redress) (Fat Magnet pills to lose weight, without dieting or exercising)

Consumer Direct, Inc., 113 F.T.C. 923 (1990) (consent) (Gut Buster spring-tension exercise device to use a few minutes daily to burn stomach fat; potential of injury from spring breakage)

American Life Nutrition, Inc., 113 F.T.C. 906 (1990) (consent) (dietary food supplements)

Twin Star Productions, Inc., 113 F.T.C. 847 (1990) (consent) (EuroTrym Diet Patch to prevent hunger pains and promote substantial weight loss; scientific studies show that product promotes weight loss)

TV, Inc., 113 F.T.C. 677 (1990) (consent) (bee pollen products to promote weight loss)

General Nutrition, Inc., 111 F.T.C. 387 (1989) (consent) (24 Hour Diet Plan to promote weight loss)

Great Earth International, Inc., 110 F.T.C. 188 (1988) (consent) (Growth Hormone Releaser to alter metabolism and promote weight loss while sleeping)  

Now we're back in 1988, and still . . . the promises keep recurring.  Bee pollen.  Diet patches.  Body part trimming devices.  Let's go on . . . .

Kingsbridge Media & Marketing, Inc., FTC v., No. Civ-88-0003 PHX EHC (D. Ariz. June 8, 1988) (stipulated permanent injunction and $1.1 million in disgorgement) (Dream Away pills to lose weight while sleeping, without dieting or exercising)

Buckingham Productions, Inc., D. 9194, 110 F.T.C. 37 (1987) (consent) (Rotation Diet to lose substantial amounts of weight, while eating unlimited amounts of food four days a week)

Intra-Medic Formulations, Inc., FTC v., No. 85-2819-CIV-Nesbitt (S.D. Fla. Feb. 25, 1986) (permanent injunction) (Lipogene and other weight loss products to lose weight, without dieting or exercising; scientific studies confirm that products are effective in weight reduction, without dieting or exercising) (OK, so you didn't have to exercise back in 1986 either)

Bricklin, Dr. Barry, 106 F.T.C. 115 (1985) (consent) (Rotation Diet to lose substantial amounts of weight, while eating unlimited amounts of food four days a week)

Dardas, Thomas A., 104 F.T.C. 562 (1984) (consent) (Acu-Form ear mold to lose weight permanently by suppressing appetite; studies prove that product promotes weight loss) (and the "ear" idea was here more than a decade ago.  The claims were fraudulent then, they're just as fraudulent now!)

Estee Corp., 102 F.T.C. 1804 (1983) (consent) (Estee special foods are significantly reduced in calories, useful and appropriate for weight control; Food and Drug Administration and American Diabetes Association have concluded that Estee sweeteners are useful, without significant qualifications in diabetic's diet)

Universal Bodybuilding, Inc., 96 F.T.C. 783 (1980) (consent) (muscle building system to lose fat)

Vital-E, 92 F.T.C. 880 (1978) (consent) (Reducing Belt, Sauna Suit, Trim-A-Chin, Grapefruit Diet, Vitamin E Diet, All-Vitamin Diet diet plans, tablets, and devices to lose weight or reduce size for a long period of time, without dieting or exercising) (they covered all the bases, didn't they?)

Astor-Scott, Inc., 89 F.T.C. 536 (1977) (consent) (Vital-E advertising agency) (Reducing Belt, Sauna Suit, Trim-A-Chin, Grapefruit Diet, Vitamin E Diet, All-Vitamin Diet diet plans, tablets, and devices to lose weight or reduce size for a long period of time, without dieting or exercising)

Simeon Management Corp., 87 F.T.C. 1184 (1976), aff'd, 579 F.2d 1137 (9th Cir. 1978) (weight reduction clinics and treatments; failure to disclose that treatment involves injections of HCG drug, which is not approved by Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for weight control or treatment of obesity)

Stewart Frost, Inc., 87 F.T.C. 366 (1976) (consent) (Slim-Quik device to reduce certain portions of the body, without dieting or exercising; use of device is safe for all persons)

Vitamin Education Institute, 87 F.T.C. 357 (1976) (consent) (Mega-Vitamin Diet regimen supplements are responsible for weight loss; typical regimen diet includes breakfast of eggs, toast, and ham; weight loss results based upon independent research results )

Ray, Ronnie, 84 F.T.C. 1238 (1974) (consent) (body wrap treatment to reduce body size or weight in specified periods of time, permanently, and without dieting) (Return of the mummy)

Gloria Stevens, Inc., 84 F.T.C. 438 (1974) (consent) (programs to reduce body size or weight in specified periods of time, without dieting or exercising)

American Dairy Association and Leo Burnett Co. (advertising agency), 83 F.T.C. 518 (1973) (consent) (number of calories in whole milk is not substantial or significant for calorie restricted or weight reducing diet)

Nu Dimensions International, Ltd., 81 F.T.C. 793 (1972) (consent) (reducing programs to eliminate pounds and inches within specified period time, without dieting; )

Universal Figure Form of Youngstown, 81 F.T.C. 785 (1972) (consent) (health club program to achieve substantial reduction in body weight or size in short period of time, without dieting)

Leo Burnett Co., 81 F.T.C. 724 (1972) (consent) (Sugar Information, Inc. advertising agency) (consumption of sugar and foods containing sugar before meals contributes significantly to weight reduction and maintenance) (now there's something interesting.  Eat sugar to lose weight.  Leo would certainly make a big splash by reviving this one today!)

Sugar Information, Inc., 81 F.T.C. 711 (1972) (consent) (consumption of sugar and foods containing sugar before meals contributes significantly to weight reduction and maintenance)

The Proctor & Gamble Co., 80 F.T.C. 181 (1972) (consent) (foods fried in Crisco oil are lower in calories than foods fried in other edible oils) (it's the predecessor of the "fat free oil" scam)

J.B. Williams Co., 79 F.T.C. 410 (1971) (consent) (Pro-Slim 7-Day Reducing wafers or diet drink mix are of special, unique, or significant value for weight reduction; scientific studies establish that products are effective in weight reduction )

ITT Continental Baking Co., 79 F.T.C. 248 (1971) (consent) (Profile bread is lower in calories than other bread, and is of special and significant value for use in weight control diets)

Farrar, Straus and Co., 65 F.T.C. 253 (1964) (Commission Decision) (following dietary principles in Gayelord Hauser's book "Mirror, Mirror On The Wall" will result in losing weight, without dieting)

Stauffer Laboratories, Inc., 64 F.T.C. 629 (1964) (Commission Decision) (Posture Rest and Magic Couch devices as part of Stauffer Home plan to reduce certain areas of the body and to reduce overall weight) (too bad the magic couch is gone.  That seems like a really comfortable weight loss plan.)

Safeway Stores, Inc., 62 F.T.C. 1206 (1963) (Commission Decision) (Slender-Way bread is lower in calories than other bread, and consumption will cause a loss in weight or prevent a weight gain) (hmmm . . . has anyone seen Subway's new ads?)

National Bakers Services, Inc., 62 F.T.C. 1115 (1963) (Commission Decision) (Hollywood bread contributes to weight loss)

Spencer Gifts, Inc., 61 F.T.C. 1161 (1962) (Commission Decision) (Reduce-Ez girdles to reduce body weight, without dieting)

Dannon Milk Products, Inc., 61 F.T.C. 840 (1962) (Commission Decision) (Dannon yogurt contains fewer calories than the same amount of milk and has reducing properties)

Damar Products, Inc., 59 F.T.C. 1263 (1961) (Commission Decision) (Cushion Vibrator device used with Salon Vibrator plan to reduce weight) (not a legitimate weight loss aid, but might have added a bit of spice to some users' lives!)

Bakers Franchise Corp., 59 F.T.C. 70 (1961) (Commission Decision) (Lite Diet bread is lower in calories than other bread, is less fattening, and is more effective in controlling body weight)

Horwitz, Raymond M., 56 F.T.C. 1411 (1960) (Commission Decision) (Gyro Belt to reduce weight in certain areas of the body or to reduce overall body weight, and Gyro Lounge Chairs to slenderize the body)

Alleghany Pharmacal Corp., 55 F.T.C 705 (1958) (consent), 75 F.T.C. 990 (1969) (order dismissing an amended complaint issued Nov. 15, 1965, 68 F.T.C. 1221, and reinstating suspended order) (Hungrex with PPA is safe for use by all obese persons; use of products reults in weight loss of five pounds a week)

Braun, Charles J., 54 F.T.C. 725 (1957) (Commission Decision) (Rennel Concentrate, a laxative, to effectively treat obesity, and to greatly reduce weight) (1957's version of Xenical - back then they called it a "laxative effect."  Today, "anal leakage" is all the rage!)

Braun, Glenn W., 54 F.T.C. 719 (1957) (Commission Decision) (Rennel Concentrate, a laxative, to effectively treat obesity, and to greatly reduce weight)

Marlene's, Inc., 50 F.T.C. 460 (1953) (Commission Decision) (Mynex tablets to reduce weight; used in conjunction with a calorie reducing regimen is different and greatly superior to any other weight reducer known to medical science; approved by Canadian government)

Barnard, William G., Sr., 50 F.T.C. 434 (1953) (Commission Decision) (Chic Tablets to reduce weight)

Acme Breweries, 47 F.T.C. 1213 (1951) (Commission Decision) (Acme beer contains no fattening substances and will not increase consumer's weight)

Pretorius, Martin W., 47 F.T.C. 449 (1950) (Commission Decision) (preparations containing iodine and copper to correct obesity due to thyroid deficiency; New Century Sun Lamp because certain forms of obesity are aided by sunlight; mineral preparations for overweight conditions)

Mid-West Drug Co., 43 F.T.C. 349 (1947) (Commission Decision) (Ju-Van to treat obesity and reduce weight naturally and safely, without dieting or exercising)

Zo-Lon Co., 41 F.T.C. 38 (1945) (Commission Decision) (Zo-Lon compound for substantial reduction in weight and treatment for obesity, without dieting or exercising)

HealthAids, Inc., 40 F.T.C. 10 (1945) (Commission Decision) (Serutan as part of the Famous Lindlahr 7-day Reducing Diet)  

OK.  1945, 15 years before I was even born, and Americans were subjected to low calorie diets, special pills, exercise devices, trimming devices, and  rub-on creams.  I'm starting to lose all respect for the creativity of today's scam artists.  Don't worry . . . there's plenty more . . . .

E. Griffiths Hughes, Inc., 40 F.T.C. 448 (1945) (Commission Decision) (Krushen Salts preparation to reduce weight promptly and safely)

The Carlay Co., 39 F.T.C. 357 (1944) (Commission Decision) (Ayds Candy reducing plan to curb the appetite for fattening food and lose up to 10 pounds in 5 days, without dieting or exercising)

The Hollywood Magic Garment Co., 36 F.T.C. 110 (1943) (Commission Decision) (Hollywood Magic Garment device to reduce weight, fat, and flesh scientifically, safely, and as rapidly as one pound a day, without dieting or exercising) (Imagine if you bought this, held on to it for a decade or so, and then wore the Magic Garment while sitting on your Magic Couch.  You'd lose weight in seconds!)

Gene Hughes Drug Stores, Inc., 35 F.T.C. 20 (1942) (Commission Decision) (Slendoids capsules to treat or cure obesity safely)

Battle Creek Drugs, 34 F.T.C. 651 (1942) (Commission Decision) (BonKora preparation to reduce excess fat from certain parts of the body safely, without dieting or exercising)

Eisenberg, Melvin V., 34 F.T.C. 410 (1941) (Commission Decision) (Fat-O-No preparation to treat obesity easily and safely or to reduce excess fat; purity and safety is guaranteed by a leading insurance company; recommended by many physicians)

Stanton, Clara, 34 F.T.C. 153 (1941) (Commission Decision) (Anti-Fat Tablets to reduce excess fat gradually and safely and to prevent obesity)

American Medicinal Products, Inc., 32 F.T.C. 1376 (1941) (Commission Decision) (Re-Duce- Oids preparation to treat or cure obesity safely by the daily ingestion of 1 grains of desiccated thyroid)

Miller, Julius, 32 F.T.C. 122 (1940) (Commission Decision) (Miller's Reducing Prescripton to remedy or cure obesity safely and to reduce weight)

Weinstock, I. Ralph, 31 F.T.C. 1399 (1940) (Commission Decision) (O.B.C. to cure or remedy obesity safely)

Kaplan, Blanche, 31 F.T.C. 1111 (1940) (Commission Decision) (Ladies Aid Reducing Tablets to reduce as many as 5 pounds a week safely, without dieting or exercising)

The Chapman Health Products Company, 30 F.T.C. 1199 (1940) (Commission Decision) (Daintee preparation to treat or cure obesity safely and scientifically)

Benham, Leland F., 30 F.T.C. 1086 (1940) (Commission Decision) (Le Flor Weight Reduction Tablets to remedy or cure obesity scientifically)

American Clinical Labs, Inc., 29 F.T.C. 1389 (1939) (Commission Decision) (Retardo preparation to reduce substantial amounts of weight safely, without dieting or exercising)

Brinkler, George, 28 F.T.C. 1671 (1939) (Commission Decision) (correspondence courses in diet and health to gain or reduce any number of pounds within any certain period of time)

Banta, Guy J., 28 F.T.C. 108 (1939) (Commission Decision) (Cal-A-Mo Reducing Bath to safely bathe off as much as 2 to 5 pounds or more excess fat with one bath) (the recent swarm of infomercials missed this one.  It's only a matter of time until 1930's science is revived.  Just bathe weight away!)

Gorov, Harry, 28 F.T.C. 38 (1939) (Commission Decision) (281 preparation to reduce weight; widely prescribed by physicians)

Gates Medicine Co., 27 F.T.C. 1040 (1938) (Commission Decision) (Rock-a-WaterTablets to safely lose as many as 10 pounds in 11 days, without dieting)

Korjena Medicine Co., 26 F.T.C. 1013 (1938) (Commission Decision) (Korjena product to melt away from 7 to 10 pounds in two weeks scientifically and safely; approved by medical profession and prescribed by many doctors)

Glenn Laboratories, Inc., 25 F.T.C. 302 (1937) (Commission Decision) (Dr. Thomas' R 157 preparation containing desiccated thyroid to treat obesity or reduce weight)

Germania Tea Co., 25 F.T.C. 150 (1937) (Commission Decision) (Germania Orange Pekoe tea to treat obesity)

Raladam Co., 24 F.T.C. 475 (1937) (Commission Decision) (Marmola preparation containing desiccated thyroid to treat obesity or reduce weight)

LaGuardia, Giacomo, 24 F.T.C. 387 (1937) (Commission Decision) (LaGuardia's herbs to correct the causes of excess weight)  

OK.  Let's stop and call upon the common sense many of us have let go.  If any of these things worked, forget about the FTC . . . would we have the obesity issues in this country that we have today?  Realize that these are the few that were investigated.  For every product listed here, there must have been another 500 that sold similar products with similar claims and escaped FTC jurisdiction.  So, if a product was sold with a weight loss claim back in 1937, and obesity continues to climb, isn't that clear evidence that these solutions simply don't work?  Yes, in 1937, "herbs" were a weight loss solution, just as they are today!  As you look through this list, do you find anyone who was promoting a sensible balance between supportive eating, moderate aerobic exercise, and a concern for muscle?  Of course not!  There's nothing fraudulent about that.  Stop being fooled.  Stop being a victim.  Let history show you, once and for all, there's no magic in a pill, device, or even . . . a couch!  Oh, wait, you didn't think we were finished.  We're only back in 1937.  More follows . . .

Dispensary Supply Co., 22 F.T.C. 735 (1936) (Commission Decision) (McCaskey's Prescription Tablets to treat or cure obesity or to reduce excess fat)

Marner, James M., 20 F.T.C. 346 (1935) (Commission Decision) (McCaskey's Prescription Tablets to treat or cure obesity or to reduce excess fat)

Eopa Co., 20 F.T.C. 117 (1935) (Commission Decision) (Eopa Phytolberry Tablets to lose up to 15 to 20 pounds a month safely)

Munk, Eugene, 19 F.T.C. 183 (1934) (Commission Decision) (massage cream to reduce fat from certain parts of the body)

E. Griffiths Hughes, Inc., 18 F.T.C. 1 (1933) Commission Decision) (laxative salts and bath salts to treat or cure obesity and to reduce excess fat)

Bush, David V., 14 F.T.C. 90 (1930) (Commission Decision) (instructions to reduce flesh and weight through a diet of fruit juices and water, without starving, exercising, or drugs) (hmm.  so the new Hollywood Juice Diet isn't really new? - If not the folks in Hollywood, who can you trust?)

Since 1927, and I'm sure way earlier than that, the toilet offered an analogy for what people do with their money.  They flush it away!  Creams?  Prescriptions?  Plants?  Herbs?  There's nothing new.  If you haven't taken the step, take it now!  Wake up!  The only way to get fit, to lose weight healthfully and permanently, is to have a synergistic concern for the right nutrition, moderate aerobic exercise, and a concern for muscle.  Now go back to my home page or use one of the links below, and with a new attitude seek out and find the program option or information that empowers you to finally take control, once and for all.

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