It sounds so ridiculous that millions of people actually thought it might work. The claim in question was that underwear infused with such things as caffeine could help the person wearing it to lose weight. On Monday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that both Norm Thompson Outfitters of Oregon and Wacoal America Inc. of New Jersey will have to refund a collective $1.5 million to those who purchased their undergarment line of shapewear. Both companies produced lines of underwear and leggings infused with “microcapsules” apparently containing such things as caffeine, vitamin E, and other “energizing” ingredients that falsely promoted weight loss and cellulite reduction.
Norm Thompson Outfitters’ “Lytess” underwear line claimed that simply by wearing the garment, the user would lose 2″ of their hips and thighs within 30 days. “No diets or pills. Lose inches just by wearing these cellulite-slimming Lytess leggings. The unique fabric is infused with caffeine to metabolize fat.” Read the advertisement in Outfitters’ catalog. The prices ranged from $49 to $79, and Outfitters falsely promoted that they were endorsed by the talk show host Dr. Oz. They advertised fabricated scientific tests, that were according to the FTC, “unblinded and uncontrolled, and…contained significant methodological flaws.” As a result of their false advertising, Norm Thompson Outfitters will discontinue all clothing products that contain drugs or cosmetics and refund $230,000 to those who purchased Lytess.
Similarly, Wacoal American’s line of “iPants”, which included bike shorts, tights, and leggings, falsely guaranteed weight loss through wearing its product 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 28 days would result in weight loss. Wacoal’s scientific studies were also imaginary, and they will refund customers $1,300,000. They are also legally forbidden to market any clothing that has weight loss benefits in the future.
These shapewear products are just another incident in a series of “viral health schemes.” Small, little known companies jump to capitalize on whatever health issue is currently trending and develop a product that allegedly promises physical improvement. Companies like Waocoal American and Norm Thompson Outfitters came out of the woodwork, increasing their stock prices, and made enthusiastic statements on the news or social media about their product.
What’s the take away? The old adage “if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is” still rings true today. It’s important to look at the claims being offered and to avoid being fooled into buying products that guarantee quick and effortless weight loss. Easy and simple weight loss simply doesn’t exist. For those who are looking for ways to lose weight, it’s going to take effort, and you’ll need to stick to the tried and true lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise to lose weight.
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