2004 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 2004:Worst Gimmick: Green Tea300 patches
"Four patches come free when you buy $59.99 worth of tea. Claimed to burn fat, suppress appetite, increase thermogenesis, and speed the metabolic rate without increasing hypertension or heart rate. Advertised through e-mail spam."
Most Outrageous: EstrinD
"Billed as the first and only diet pill for menopausal and pre- menopausal weight gain, EstrinD is touted to reduce calorie intake, stop binge eating, increase metabolism, control mood swings and provide a sense of well being. Nearly full-page advertisement in USA Weekend."
Worst Product: CortiSlim
"Falsely claims that reducing cortisol, the stress hormone, with CortiSlim will cause rapid fat loss from abdomen and thighs. Nationally aired infomercials use a deceptive 'talk show' format, FTC charges."
Worst Claim: Carboburn
"For low-carb dieters wearied of living without carbs, it's no longer necessary. 'CarboBurn will neutralize the carbohydrates, block the storage of fat before it attaches to your stomach, waist, thighs, buns, chisel your fat away and let lean muscle shine through, and it doesn't matter if you hate exercise.' Advertised online."
This article was posted on December 22, 2008.