New year, new me, right? With January comes a huge surge in resolutions, and many of them are people hoping to shave off a few (or more) pounds. Not only does the number of gym memberships skyrocket around the new year, but weight loss scams are also abundant.
No one wants to get duped by quick fixes, but scams are getting much harder to detect these days with the prevalence of social media, targeted ads, and artificial intelligence.
These hoaxes can be found in the form of products like vitamins, creams, herbs, patches, and more. We get it—it’s hard to stop your head from turning at the sound of a miracle weight loss product, but very rarely are those products legitimate.
In a world with scams that get more convincing every day, how can you avoid getting ripped off? We’ll walk you through seven clues that can tip you off to fake weight loss schemes.
1. Guarantees and Promises
One of the clearest signs of a fraudulent product or seller is a promise that’s just a little too good to be true. Those are statements that are way too extravagant to be achievable. Think, “You’ll lose 20 pounds in 10 days!” or “Melt fat effortlessly while you sleep!” Everyone knows that’s absurd. Be particularly wary of those unattainable false promises to protect yourself from fraud.
When it comes to detecting sham products, it might be the one time you want to be a skeptic. Raising an eyebrow at every enticing promise you see and doing your research on the products and companies can save you money and stress.
2. Endorsements
Advertisements on TV or social media will often show a smiling picture of your favorite A-lister next to their product. These companies may say they’re trusted by brands you know or that they were a hit on entrepreneurial TV shows like Shark Tank.
Fraudsters will use these star-power sources to try to gain your trust. Just think smart and verify the claims they make before you hand your money over.
3. The No-Work Myth
If you come across a product that touts its ability to let you lose weight while eating whatever you want or burn fat without having to lift a finger, take a closer look.
It’s not possible to lose weight effectively with just a product’s help. Ask your doctor—losing weight takes work and is a gradual process. The truth might be disappointing, but maintaining weight loss requires consistent effort on your part. No miracle drug can help you there.
4. Hidden Costs
Fraudulent weight loss products entice lots of their customers with “free trials” that seem too good to pass up, but the fine print often reveals ongoing subscription fees or hidden charges. These costs can catch people like you off guard since they turn what seemed like a risk-free offer into a costly commitment.
And you’ll often find that weight loss marketing pressures buyers with urgency tactics like “hurry before we sell out” or “limited time offer only.” These strategies can encourage impulsive decisions, so be intentional about taking your time learning about a product instead of falling for the “act fast” command.
5. Pricing
Canceling an order or getting a refund for weight loss products can be surprisingly tricky. If a company doesn’t have a clear return or refund policy, that’s a big red flag. Reputable companies usually offer guarantees, so make sure you’re buying from one that’s transparent about returns.
Be extra careful when you see products on huge discounts—they sound great, but the fine print often hides conditions that make it tough to actually get a refund. Reading the terms and conditions will take you a few minutes, but it’s worth it so that you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
6. Online Presence
Just because a company that claims it sells a miracle weight loss product has a slick website, catchy ads, or a ton of social media followers doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. A strong online presence is actually really easy to fake, so don’t judge that book by its cover.
Before you hit “buy,” look up reviews, check for complaints, and make sure the company is credible. Even scammers can have great graphic designers, so dig a little deeper.
The internet can be a great tool to help you get prescribed weight loss medication online by a licensed physician. It can also show you expensive and ineffective products.
7. Ingredients
Always check the ingredients of a consumable weight loss product. If there isn’t an ingredient list, that’s a big red flag. Lack of transparency can mean potentially dangerous or untested ingredients. Products that hide their contents like that could lead to harmful side effects and may pose serious health risks.
Even popular weight loss medications like Mounjaro® may cause side effects. However, because you got it from a legitimate source, you have help. The licensed physician who wrote your prescription understands potential side effects and can help you manage them.
If you come across products making unrealistic claims or using high-pressure sales techniques, it’s important to report them to protect others from deceptive practices. You can report to organizations like the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
No matter how cheap the product is or how good the model in the ad looks, your health should always come first. So before you commit to any marketed product or regimen, consult with your doctor about the most suitable—and trustworthy—program for you.
