2000 Slim Chance Awards

Each year, Frances M. Berg, M.S., who operates the Healthy Weight Network presents "Slim Chance Awards" to promoters of weight-loss schemes. Here are the awards for 2000:

Worst Product

16-Plant Macerat Weight Loss Plan. "Recent experiments have shown that the extract of the 16 plants, when combined together, can reverse the effect of calories. In other words, instead of transforming calories into fat, the calories are consumed and eliminated by natural means ... some people have lost 13 pounds the first week."

Worst Gadget

Slimming Slippers. Advertising copy claims: "The Get Slim slippers ... using reflexology science, magnets, and the laws of gravity to get slim! ... Increase your metabolism naturally [and] stimulate the untouched sole of the foot, thus activating the nerves responsible for digestion and eating habits."

Worst Claim

Hydro-Gel Slim Patch. "The remarkable dual fat-fighting ingredients, Fucus and Guaranine ... boost your metabolism ... your very own secret `fat furnace' ... helping incinerate away your repulsive excess adipose tissue."

Most Outrageous

Weigh Out. "It doesn't matter how much weight you have to lose: 20, 40, 100, or 200+ pounds. This will change your life forever."

This article was posted on December 22, 2008.