Losing weight, becoming more physically fit or living a healthier lifestyle are common New Year’s resolutions. Consumers planning lifestyle changes should be careful of corrupt companies trying to capitalize on self-improvement goals.
Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington warns of misleading fitness and weight loss advertisements that entice consumers with urgent limited-time offers and promise fast results: "Drop 3 sizes in one week" or "Lose 37 pounds in only two weeks guaranteed!" Watch out for "miracle pills" touting no diet or exercise required. Avoid being lured in by exaggerated before and after pictures or unrealistic weight loss claims. Beware that most "free" trials require an initial credit card payment for shipping or processing—which could lead to continuous monthly charges, if consumers don't cancel before a deadline.
BBB provides the following tips for finding reliable health and fitness businesses and professionals:
- Fitness centers, health clubs and trainers
: Carefully inspect membership contracts and cancellation policies for health clubs and fitness centers. Verify licensing through your state. Visit
www.fitness.gov for more fitness resources.
Nutrition experts: Before enlisting help from dietitians and nutritionists, verify professional licensing. Visit www.nutrition.gov for more tips.
Vitamin and supplement sellers: Although a product or supplement may be featured online or in television, newspaper or magazine advertisements, remember that effectiveness, safety and approval by the Food and Drug Administration is not guaranteed. Before buying products, consult with a physician and research the retailer's reputation online. Review the FDA's guidelines at www.fda.gov and the National Institute of Health's tips through the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Check with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for additional tips.
Make it a New Year's habit to check with BBB first: Visit www.bbb.org for BBB Reliability Reports on businesses.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.