FTC Targets More Unsubstantiated Weight-Loss Claims

FTC Targets More Unsubstantiated Weight-Loss Claims

WASHINGTON--The Federal Trade Commission charged West PalmBeach, Fla.-based Slim Down Solution LLC and related companies with using falseand unsubstantiated claims in the marketing and advertising of Slim DownSolution, a weight-loss product, via infomercials and the Internet. According toFTC's complaint, the company used false claims in purporting the product's keyingredient, D-glucosamine, absorbed up to 20 g of dietary fat per day, leadingto significant weight loss without diet or exercise.

Slim Down Solution LLC advertised and sold its product through channels suchas Bravo, Comedy Central and PAX cable, in addition to its Web site (www.slimdownsolution.com).The company uses a continuity program when selling product, in which Slim DownSolution is automatically shipped to consumers whose credit cards are charged ona monthly basis. Slim Down Solution LLC's manufacturer, Madeira Management Inc.,which was also named in the FTC suit--additionally manufactured and sold D-glucosamineproducts directly to consumers and other resellers under such labels as Fightthe Fat, Everslim and Mini Max, and via the Web site www.polyglucosamine.com.

FTC is seeking permanent injunctive relief and consumer redress against thecompany and all related defendants, and has filed a stipulated preliminaryinjunction. Once signed by a judge, it will preliminarily enjoin the defendantsfrom using the challenged advertising claims.

At a press conference held Jan. 24, Howard Beales, director of FTC's Bureauof Consumer Protection, asked media channels to be vigilant in not allowing suchproducts to be advertised. He also reported that Slim Down Solution had so farsold $30 million worth of product.