Article: Misleading weight-loss product promotion widespread.(Brief Article)

The use of false claims, misleading testimonials, and deceptive before-and-after photographs in advertising for weight-loss products is widespread and has increased during the past decade, according to a Sept 17, 2002, news release from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Approximately 40% of advertisements studied, including those appearing in mainstream, national publications, made at least one claim that is almost certainly false, and 55% made at least one claim that is very likely false. Nearly 50% of the advertisements claim that product users can lose weight without dieting or exercising.

The FTC report was prepared with assistance from the Partnership for ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!