FTC Fines Makers of Sensa
On Tuesday, January 7, 2014, the United States Federal Trade Commission ordered the makers of Sensa weight loss power to return $26.5 million dollars to consumers who bought there products based on alleged false advertising due to faulty science. Ironically, the inventor of Sensa is a medical doctor. With billions of dollars spent each year on weight loss programs many want a slice of the pie. Like most weight loss products and programs, endorser were compensated for their time and travel and studies conducted validating the company claims were company-sponsered by Dr. Alan Hirsch the developer of Sensa. The studies were never published in a peer-review journal.
As with most FTC settlements, the company did not admit to any wrong doing, but will modify their advertisements to comply with the FTC order. Products like Sensa do not need Food and Drug Administration approval.
Any heavily promoted weight loss program or plan claiming substantial weight loss while eating unlimited calories and no physical activity most be looked upon with skepticism. Unfortunately, too many people want rapid results with no effort. It doesn’t work that way and never has. Too many medical professional have resorted to deceptive practices for financial gain at the expense of patients and consumers. People have faith and trust in doctors and many beleive their claims are factual. Sadly, that is not always the case. There are 21st century snake oil salesmen even among medical professionals lured by greed and the potential for great wealth.
$26.5 million dollars is a drop in the bucket for Sensa Products who continue to stand behind their product.
“We stand behind Sensa,” Kristin Chadwick, Sensa Products’ chief executive, said in a statement. “We continue to receive positive feedback from our customers and remain committed to developing products that help our No. 1 priority — our customers — live healthier, happier lives.”
With ads showing a women with a muscular abdomen who can eat anything she wants and not have to exercise to achieve and maintain a firm, muscular body one should wonder about the companies claim about developing products to live healthier, happier lives. After all, if the science and results supported their claim why would they be refunding $26.5 million dollars?