The Federal Trade Commission has filed big fat lawsuits against several companies that it says told big fat lies in their weight-loss advertising.
The suits, part of the FTC’s Operation Big Fat Lie, seek refunds for consumers and an end to the false advertising.
In announcing the actions, the FTC urged media outlets not to carry ads that feature phony weight-loss claims. The defendants used at least one of the seven bogus weight-loss claims cited in the FTC’s Red Flag educational campaign.
The cases include:
*Selfworx.com LLC—The FTC charges that this Scarborough, ME-based firm misled consumers by stating that its gel-a-thin product would, when rubbed into the sin, create weight loss of up to 21 pounds in six weeks. The firm also falsely stated that two tablets of its LipoLean product can absorb 20 to 30 grams of fat from a meal. The case is on file with the U.S. District for the District of Maine.
*Femina Inc.—This firm falsely stated that its Siluette Patch would cause substantial weight loss when worn on the body and eliminate cellulite and accumulated fat, according to the FTC. In another false claim, Femina promised that its Fat Seltzer Reduce product would allow fat to be absorbed and eliminated through the urine, the FTC continues. The firm was hit on Monday with a temporary restraining order. The case is on file with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
*CHK Trading Co. Inc.—The FTC alleges that the defendants in this case made unsubstantiated claims that consumers can eliminate cellulite cause weight loss of up to 95 pounds by rubbing Hanmeilin Cellulite Cream into the body. The case is on file with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
*Natural Products—According to the FTC, this firm falsely claimed in ads that its Bio Trim dietary supplement would allow users to lose weight while eating unlimited amounts of food. The case is on file with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
*New England Diet Center—This Westport, CT-based company promised that its Chinese Diet Tea and Bio-Slim Patch could help victims lose weight without exercise or dieting.
AVS Marketing Inc.—A temporary restraining has been issued, prohibiting this firm from making false claims for its Himalayan Diet Breakthrough and Nepalese Mineral Pitch. The TRO also freezes the defendants’ assets.
