FDA Warns Internet Companies About Unsubstantiated Weight-Loss Claims

BETHESDA, Md.--It was only a matter of time before the government turned its attention to Internet marketers of weight-loss products filling the gap left by ephedra. On April 2, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it had sent warning letters to 16 supplement distributors for making false and misleading claims on weight-loss products marketed over the Internet. Many of the products claim to block starch, carbohydrates and fat, helping a consumer lose weight without any changes in lifestyle.

Unsubstantiated claims included "Eat all you want! Block the starch and lose weight!" and "Guaranteed to block the breakdown of carbohydrates and simple sugars from being converted into fat."

"These products give unfounded hope to people who are attempting to lose weight, said acting FDA Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D. False and misleading claims have significant health consequences to individuals that may be overweight because these products do not produce the desired results.

FDA reported that although labeling may include claims about the supplement's effect on the structure or function of the human body, the law requires that structure/function claims must have substantiation and be truthful and not misleading. The agency reviewed the products mentioned in its letters and concluded that claims being made regarding these products were not supported by reliable scientific evidence.

Companies receiving letters included Clifton Park, N.Y.-based Better Bodz (which marketed InShape Dreamshape); Los Angeles-based Ecommerce Transaction LLC (California Dream Shape); and Shelby Township, Mich.-based eVitamins.com (F Block Chitosan).

FDA has asked that each firm respond in writing within 15 days of receipt of the warning letters stating the action the firms plan to take to correct the noted violations and to ensure similar violations do not occur in the future. For more about the companies involved, visit www.cfsan.fda.gov/%7Edms/wl-list.html.