Don’t fall for false promises and fake news

  • Beware of weight-loss scams after the holidays
  • Scammers prey on people with New Year’s resolutions to lose weight
  • Miracle weight-loss cures are usually scams
  • Look out for false promises and claims of easy weight loss
  • Be cautious of fake news articles and altered testimonials
  • Avoid products with banned or harmful substances
  • Read the fine print before signing up for programs or gym memberships

Weight-loss scams are on the rise after the holiday season, targeting individuals who have made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to be cautious of ads promoting ‘miracle’ weight-loss cures that claim to help you shed pounds without exercise or changing your diet. These scams often make false promises, such as losing 30 pounds in 30 days or achieving permanent weight loss. It’s important to remember that there is no magic way to lose weight without proper diet and exercise. Scammers often use tactics like fake news articles and altered testimonials to make their claims seem legitimate. They may even include logos from real medical organizations and news outlets. Additionally, some of the products being sold may contain banned substances or be harmful to your health. Consumers should always read the fine print, especially when signing up for free trials or gym memberships, as they may unknowingly commit to long-term commitments. Stay vigilant and be aware of the red flags to avoid falling victim to weight-loss scams.

Public Companies: NovoNordisk (NVO), Eli Lilly (LLY)
Private Companies:
Key People:


Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information about weight-loss scams and offers tips on how to identify them. It mentions the rise in weight-loss drugs and the prevalence of scams targeting people who want to lose weight. The information provided is generally accurate and objective, without any obvious bias or personal perspective. However, the article could have provided more specific examples of weight-loss scams and included additional sources to support its claims.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides relevant information about weight-loss scams during the holiday season and offers tips on how to identify and avoid them. It mentions the popularity of weight-loss drugs and the rise of weight-loss scams targeting people with New Year’s resolutions. The article also highlights common tactics used by scammers and warns about the dangers of consuming banned or harmful substances. Overall, the article stays on topic, provides some evidence and examples, and offers actionable insights for readers.

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme events. It provides information about weight-loss scams and offers tips to avoid falling for them.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com