Weight Loss Marketing Companies Settle FTC Claims

April 27, 2017

weight-loss-marketingLast week, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced a $32 million settlement with NutriMost, LLC, NutriMost Doctors, LLC and their owner (collectively, “Defendants”).  The FTC alleged that the Defendants’ weight loss marketing materials misled consumers into believing that the Defendants’ product would cause consumers to lose 20-40 pounds in 40 days.  According to the FTC, “[w]hat the Defendants allegedly failed to say, however, was that to achieve the weight loss advertised, users would have to follow a restrictive diet, including a very low-calorie diet of about 500 calories a day.” Although the settlement reflects a $32 million judgment, the judgment is suspended due to a represented inability by the Defendants to pay it, conditional upon the Defendants’ payment of $2 million in consumer refunds.

What are the Terms of the FTC’s Weight Loss Marketing Settlement Agreement?

In its complaint, the FTC alleged that the Defendants used endorsements and testimonials without disclosing that the providers of these endorsements and testimonials had material connections to the Defendants and/or their franchisees.  The settlement agreement with the FTC permanently bars the Defendants from failing to disclose, “clearly and conspicuously” and in “close proximity” to the representations, a material connection between the endorser and the Defendants (or their franchisees) in future weight loss marketing.  The Defendants are also barred from making any further claims that their products: 1) enable users to lose weight, “including 20-40 pounds;” 2) are safe for users; 3) enable users to achieve permanent weight loss; 4) enable users to burn a specific number of calories; 5) target abnormal fat; or 6) effectively treat, mitigate or cure a disease unless the representation is true at the time it is made and the Defendants possess and rely upon competent and reliable scientific evidence to substantiate the representation as true.  Moreover, if the Defendants engage in any further weight loss marketing, they must disclose, again clearly and conspicuously, that users are required to follow a calorie-restricted or very low calorie diet, if applicable.

Weight Loss Marketing Cautionary Tale

Late last year, we blogged about a $30 million judgment against a weight loss marketer for alleged violations of the FTC Act.  Companies engaged in weight loss marketing should consult with counsel familiar with state and federal regulations applicable to weight loss marketing or face the consequences.  As the Defendants in the instant FTC case have learned, failure to do so may result in a multi-million dollar judgment.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, please visit the Telemarketing Law practice area of our website.  If you have been served with process concerning your weight loss marketing practices, please e-mail us at info@kleinmoynihan.com or call us at (212) 246-0900.

The material contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice, nor is it a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney.  Each situation is unique, and you should not act or rely on any information contained herein without seeking the advice of an experienced attorney.

Attorney Advertising

Similar blog posts:

FTC, NY AG Bring Deceptive Advertising Lawsuit Against Dietary Supplement Marketer

Marketers Sued by FTC for Weight-Loss Product Advertising Practices

FTC Trains its Sights on Social Media Influencers

Share:

David Klein

David Klein is one of the most recognized attorneys in the technology, Internet marketing, sweepstakes, and telecommunications fields. Skilled at counseling clients on a broad range of technology-related matters, David Klein has substantial experience in negotiating and drafting complex licensing, marketing and Internet agreements.
tcpa compliance telemarketing consumer tcpa law cell phone business men deal

5 TCPA Compliance Tips

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) is a federal statute that was enacted in 1991 to safeguard consumer privacy through the regulation of certain telemarketing

Read More »

Trending Topics

tcpa compliance telemarketing consumer tcpa law cell phone business men deal
Blog

5 TCPA Compliance Tips

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) is a federal statute that was enacted in 1991 to safeguard consumer privacy through the regulation of certain telemarketing

Read More »