Fraud - Diet Fraud
In this article we're going to cover a little known type of
fraud, though becoming more and more common and a bigger problem
each year, this is diet fraud.
The fact is, a great number of people in the world and
especially in the United States are overweight. It is one of the
largest growing health concerns in this country and getting
worse every year. Because of this problem, diet programs are
everywhere. Many of them like Weight Watchers have been around
for a very long time and are reputable companies. Unfortunately,
there are a great number of diet plans out there that are flat
out fraudulent in that they promote a weight loss program that
doesn't work or is just plain dangerous.
So, how does one recognize these fraudulent diet programs?
Unfortunately it is not easy to do. Many of the criminals who
commit this fraud do so in such a manner that their diet plan or
meal looks legit. Add to this the fact that they are preying on
poor people who are at the end of their ropes when it comes to
losing weight and it becomes very easy to get these people
sucked into the fraudulent program. Having said that, there are
some things to look out for that may alert you to a possible
fraud.
Many of the latest diet programs can be seen on infomercials on
television. One thing to watch out for is information that seems
too good to be true, such as losing inches from your waistline
in a matter of days. Even if a program like this were to work,
which is doubtful, it is dangerous to lose weight that quickly.
For a truly healthy diet and exercise routine you shouldn't lose
more than a pound or two each week. If a program says you will
lose some crazy amount like 10 pounds in 10 days then most
likely the program is either fraudulent or very dangerous.
Another thing to look out for when it comes to diet programs is
the testimonials. Take a look at the people on these
commercials. In most cases they are far from having need of a
diet. Many look like fashion models or paid actors and
actresses. Be wary of before and after photos as with today's
technology it is very easy to doctor a photo.
Another thing to watch out for is any plan that says you can
lose weight without any exercise or that you can lose weight by
just putting on their special heat treated tummy trimmer or
whatever nonsense they call it. There is no way to lose weight
in a healthy manner without proper diet and exercise. Anyone who
says differently is not to be trusted.
Mostly, use your common sense. If you see a weight loss plan
that looks too good to be true then most likely it is and all it
is going to make you lose is the money that you spent on the
plan itself.
Good common sense will pick out a diet scam with no trouble at
all.