Flip through a magazine, scan a newspaper, or channel surf and you see 

them everywhere: Ads that promise quick and easy weight loss without 

diet or exercise. Wouldn’t it be nice if — as the ads claim — you could 

lose weight simply by taking a pill, wearing a patch, or rubbing in a 

cream? Too bad claims like that are almost always false.

Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree that the best way to lose 

weight is to eat fewer calories and increase your physical activity so you 

burn more energy. A reasonable goal is to lose about a pound a week. For 

most people, that means cutting about 500 calories a day from your diet, 

eating a variety of nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. 

When it comes to evaluating claims for weight loss products, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

recommends a healthy portion of skepticism. Before you spend money on products that promise fast and 

easy results, weigh the claims carefully. Think twice before wasting your money on products that make 

any of these false claims:

"LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT DIET OR EXERCISE!"

Achieving a healthy weight takes work. Take a pass on any product that promises miraculous results 

without the effort. Buy one and the only thing you’ll lose is money.

“LOSE WEIGHT NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU EAT OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS!” 

Beware of any product that claims that you can eat all you want of high-calorie foods and still lose 

weight. Losing weight requires sensible food choices. Filling up on healthy vegetables and fruits can 

make it easier to say no to fattening sweets and snacks. 

“LOSE WEIGHT PERMANENTLY! NEVER DIET AGAIN!”

Even if you’re successful in taking the weight off, permanent weight loss requires permanent lifestyle 

changes. Don’t trust any product that promises once-and-for-all results without ongoing maintenance.

Weighing the Evidence 

in Diet Ads 

Federal Trade Commission  Bureau of Consumer Protection  Office of Consumer and Business Education 

FTC FACTS for Consumers
FTC FACTS for Consumers

“BLOCK THE ABSORPTION OF FAT, CARBS, OR CALORIES!”

Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree that there’s simply no magic non-prescription pill that will 

allow you to block the absorption of fat, carbs, or calories. The key to curbing your craving for those 

“downfall foods” is portion control. Limit yourself to a smaller serving or a slimmer slice.

“LOSE 30 POUNDS IN 30 DAYS!” 

Losing weight at the rate of a pound or two a week is the most effective way to take it off and keep 

it off. At best, products promising lightning-fast weight loss are false. At worst, they can ruin your 

health.

“EVERYBODY WILL LOSE WEIGHT!” 

Your habits and health concerns are unique. There is simply no one-size-fits-all product guaranteed to 

work for everyone. Team up with your health care provider to design a personalized nutrition and 

exercise program suited to your lifestyle and metabolism.

“LOSE WEIGHT WITH OUR MIRACLE DIET PATCH OR CREAM!” 

You’ve seen the ads for diet patches or creams that claim to melt away the pounds. Don’t believe them. 

There’s nothing you can wear or apply to your skin that will cause you to lose weight.

For more information, visit the FTC’s website at www.ftc.gov. Additional information on nutrition and 

weight loss is available through the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases’ 

Weight-control Information Network (1-800-WIN-8098). To report fraudulent weight loss product 

claims, contact your state Attorney General, local consumer protection office, or Better Business 

Bureau. 

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the 

marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTCHELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, 

and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to 

hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

November 2004

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

F O R T H E C O N S U M ER

1-877-FTC-HELP

WWW.FTC.GOV