Consumer Alert - Experiencing the post-holiday weight blues? Be careful! Many diets or fat-burning products may only lighten your wallet

OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Welcome to 2018! Now that the festivities are behind us, it's time for a fresh start. The New Year is all about new beginnings and resolutions. If losing weight is at the top of your list, be cautious about spending money on diet tools and aids. Weight loss scams promise dramatic weight loss with little or no effort. There are no magic pills, miracle cures or safe options for rapid weight loss.

Let's shed some light on misleading ad claims so you can make wise purchasing decisions. Be wary of ads for devices or diets that promise:

Experiencing the post-holiday weight blues? Be careful! Many diets or fat-burning products may only lighten your wallet (CNW Group/Competition Bureau)

• "weight loss without dieting or exercise." If it looks too good to be true, it probably is!
• "substantial weight loss no matter what or how much you eat." Take buzz words with a grain of salt.
• "permanent weight loss even after you stop using the product." Don't trust unsubstantiated claims.
• "blocking absorption of fat or calories to enable you to lose substantial weight." Make sure to read disclaimers and fine prints.
• "substantial weight loss for everyone." Be suspicious of unequivocal claims.
• "substantial weight loss by wearing a product on the body or rubbing it into the skin." There are simply no magic products like patches, creams, lotions, wraps, body belts, or earrings for rapid weight loss.

Here's some more advice to fine-tune your weight loss scam sensors and avoid wasting your money:

• Do your research on trusted websites. However, be aware that some legitimate-looking news articles or web pages are in fact ads in disguise.
• Check reviews from many sources before making a purchasing decision.
• Don't trust before and after photos. There are no guarantees that the diet or device will work for you.
• Be skeptical of celebrity endorsements.
• Consult a professional health practitioner before making significant changes to your habits.

If you have information about weight loss claims that seem too good to be true, report it to the Competition Bureau (1‑800‑348‑5358).

Related Information

False weight loss claims lead to a $350,000 penalty

Associated Links

Free trial that turns out to be a monthly subscription: it's a trap

Weight Loss Claims vs. Weight Maintenance Claims (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

The safe use of health products for weight loss (Health Canada)

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