Crazy Marketing Claims in Ads

AnnPT77 · February 11

It seems like they'll tell us anything to sell diet/exercise programs. Would anyone like to share some? Here are a couple of recent ones I saw online (I swear I didn't make these up):

and

sollyn23l2 · February 11

If only I knew adding a little ginger to my water would have tripled my weight liss.

ninerbuff · February 11

You DON'T have to prove anything as long as you have the disclaimer: "Results not typical"

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

chris_in_cal · February 11

The courts find these worthless disclaimer clauses are meritless.

Defendant’s reliance on these ‘worthless’ disclaimers is worthless,” state court judge Arthur Engoron wrote in September,

Crossing your fingers behind your back when speaking falsehoods does make everything okay. Though us Americans assume innocence until proven guilty, we still need caveat emptor...unless you have money for lawyers. 💲

chris_in_cal · February 11

chris_in_cal wrote: »

Crossing your fingers behind your back when speaking falsehoods does make everything okay.

I missed a critical word "... does NOT make everything okay."

Melwillbehealthy · February 12

I just don’t get it. How do the advertisers get away with it? Oprah’s picture is often shown by the gummies. Makes me think she is endorsing the ad. My girlfriend was so influenced by it, she ordered the gummies online. She was highly disappointed the gummies didn’t work.🫤

AnnPT77 · February 12

Melwillbehealthy wrote: »

I just don’t get it. How do the advertisers get away with it? Oprah’s picture is often shown by the gummies. Makes me think she is endorsing the ad. My girlfriend was so influenced by it, she ordered the gummies online. She was highly disappointed the gummies didn’t work.🫤

The gummy ad above had Kelly Clarkson. We're meant to believe the celeb is endorsing the ad. I suspect it's just that the celeb's lawyers are behind in playing whack-a-mole, but that's a guess.

Of course they don't work - certainly not as advertised, anyway.

Yup, people are seeking the quick and easy solution, so fall for this kind of nonsense.

(I'm not speaking directly to you, Melwillbehealthy, when I say this next - just a genuine comment about what I'd hoped from the thread.)

I was hoping others might share some examples of the ridiculous claims they've seen so we could, oh, maybe make fun of them . . . as opposed to debating how advertisers get away with it or saying they shouldn't lie. But it's the debate forum, so anyone can post anything, on topic or semi-off, I guess.

If it turns into another discussion about the general evils of the diet industry, especially the bottom-feeders in it, I'll probably delete the thread. There are plenty of previous discussions that cover that ground, seems like; but I hadn't seen any where we could post examples and maybe ridicule them to amp up some caveat emptor cheerleading hereabouts.

Theoldguy1 · February 12

Melwillbehealthy wrote: »

I just don’t get it. How do the advertisers get away with it? Oprah’s picture is often shown by the gummies. Makes me think she is endorsing the ad. My girlfriend was so influenced by it, she ordered the gummies online. She was highly disappointed the gummies didn’t work.🫤

The fact that "influencers" who have minimal, if any knowledge on the topic being discussed can change behaviors is a whole other issue.

xbowhunter · February 12

Suckers are born every minute.

In the instant gratification society, all play and no work it's no wonder these claims are making millions and helping no one but the investors! lol

AnnPT77 · February 12

AnnPT77 wrote: »

I was hoping others might share some examples of the ridiculous claims they've seen so we could, oh, maybe make fun of them . . . as opposed to debating how advertisers get away with it, saying they shouldn't lie, or otherwise criticizing them. But it's the debate forum, so anyone can post anything, on topic or semi-off, I guess.

If it turns into another discussion about the general evils of the diet industry, especially the bottom-feeders in it, I'll probably delete the thread. There are plenty of previous discussions that cover that ground, seems like; but I hadn't seen any where we could post examples and maybe ridicule them to amp up some "caveat emptor" cheerleading hereabouts.

nossmf · February 12

Don't have pictures, but at the checkout line for the grocery store is a magazine rack while you wait, and every week are loud article titles about "Walk off 47lbs in 6 weeks" or the like.

AnnPT77 · February 12

nossmf wrote: »

Don't have pictures, but at the checkout line for the grocery store is a magazine rack while you wait, and every week are loud article titles about "Walk off 47lbs in 6 weeks" or the like.

Like this one, maybe? (This is old. They still look about like this, though.)

or this:

Or these oddly gendered selections (that contained approximately - maybe exactly - the same exercises, as perceived from my quick flip-through, just with male vs. female photos, and some different text around them.

Plus we have things like this, in the book section:

I've been amused (appalled?) by this sort of thing for a while. Some of these were posted by other people in threads with different theses.

chris_in_cal · February 12

AnnPT77 wrote: »

I'll probably delete the thread.

What's this? I just looked at old threads I've created and don't see an ability to 'delete' a thread I created. How does one do this?

ccrdragon · February 12

chris_in_cal wrote: »

AnnPT77 wrote: »

I'll probably delete the thread.

What's this? I just looked at old threads I've created and don't see an ability to 'delete' a thread I created. How does one do this?

It's usually done by capturing a link to the thread and asking one of the mods to delete it for you.

PAV8888 · February 13

Flag: Report: This is my thread and I want to delete it.

chris_in_cal · February 13

Re: Mods/Flags - Thanks.

Lietchi · February 13

This one doesn't have very crazy claims, but still ambitious: 1kg per week, and you get a free 'figure analysis' when you start out.

But what the heck is that 'pod' in the picture, which presumably is how they their clients are supposed to lose weight?

Mouse_Potato · February 13

On a related note, a few years ago I had some friends on Facebook who were asking for "volunteers" to try their "powerful weight loss/hair growth/detox/whatever" gummies. They would send you the goods for free, but you had to send a private message to be included. Out of pure curiosity, I decided to ask about one. What was the catch? Well. As it turned out, "all" you had to do was make a post on your social media accounts about how wondrously effective they were. Before receiving them.

I guess that's one way to get around being accused of false advertising - convince other people to do it for you.

claireychn074 · February 15

I haven’t got the image of the ads but last year I saw a tonne of ads for leggings with caffeine in them. Supposed to magically make you lose weight and get rid of cellulite. The before pics were all unhappy women gesturing at their legs and tummies, then slim women beaming afterwards. The ads have stopped now so I’m guessing they got pulled for false advertising!

springlering62 · February 15

claireychn074 wrote: »

I haven’t got the image of the ads but last year I saw a tonne of ads for leggings with caffeine in them. Supposed to magically make you lose weight and get rid of cellulite. The before pics were all unhappy women gesturing at their legs and tummies, then slim women beaming afterwards. The ads have stopped now so I’m guessing they got pulled for false advertising!

Whaaaaaat? Caffeine infused leggings?! Soooo many questions and most too rude to ask here! What happens when you wash them? When you sweat, where does the caffeine go? What does it do then? What if you cat sits in your lap? Your kid? Your SO? Can it be like a viagra reaction and potentially entail a visit to hospital? WHAT IF YOU WEAR THEM COMMANDO?

My favorite of all time is the African weight loss belly beads. They’re all over the internet but Etsy has the market captured.

That lead me this:

All that time in the weight room, wasted, when I coulda been training the easy way. 🤬

springlering62 · February 15

I get a ton of absolutely ridiculous weight loss articles suggested by Apple News. Apparently, one of the biggest sources is some hair stylist magazine. No idea how that one got on my feed. That, and all kinds of faux articles which end up just containing links to buy stuff.

Apple News is the least newsy news outlet there is.

AnnPT77 · February 15

springlering62 wrote: »

I get a ton of absolutely ridiculous weight loss articles suggested by Apple News. Apparently, one of the biggest sources is some hair stylist magazine. No idea how that one got on my feed. That, and all kinds of faux articles which end up just containing links to buy stuff.

Apple News is the least newsy news outlet there is.

I'd consider things like that to be on topic for this thread, too, even if not strictly advertising. Screen shot of the loopy headline in addition to a link would be funnest.

There's some exercise site Google likes to recommend articles from sometimes that are really horrible, too. I can't recall the name right now, but I'll be on the lookout for amusingly crazy content there, too. Being on Android doesn't spare a person from clickbait nonsense, trust me.

paperpudding · February 15

AnnPT77 wrote: »

nossmf wrote: »

Or these oddly gendered selections (that contained approximately - maybe exactly - the same exercises, as perceived from my quick flip-through, just with male vs. female photos, and some different text around them.

I've been amused (appalled?) by this sort of thing for a while. Some of these were posted by other people in threads with different theses.

.

I guess these aren't technically false claims - I mean, one can exercise 10 mins per day and get results.

Since it doesn't specify for how many days and exactly what results.

paperpudding · February 15

...

springlering62 · February 15

Well shut the front door. There’s a lady at aquafit this evening wearing weight loss waist beads.

claireychn074 · February 16

claireychn074 wrote: »

I haven’t got the image of the ads but last year I saw a tonne of ads for leggings with caffeine in them. Supposed to magically make you lose weight and get rid of cellulite. The before pics were all unhappy women gesturing at their legs and tummies, then slim women beaming afterwards. The ads have stopped now so I’m guessing they got pulled for false advertising!

Not the ad but found ‘em on Amazon 🤣

claireychn074 · February 16

And I have no idea what “antifatic” is supposed to mean: anti-fatigue maybe? Or anti-fat?!

AnnPT77 · February 16

claireychn074 wrote: »

And I have no idea what “antifatic” is supposed to mean: anti-fatigue maybe? Or anti-fat?!

That jumped out at me, too. I guess they do something so fabulous to fat that a whole new word needed to be invented for it?

tulips_and_tea · February 21

On another message board I use regularly, all the ladies are jumping on the bandwagon for the "Skinnify Workout Leggings" that have resistance bands built in. It's a finance and investing message board, but an "off topic" thread is about health and fitness. Cringe-worthy product description:

"About this item
LOSE WEIGHT THANKS TO THE BUILT-IN RESISTANCE BANDS OF THE LEGGINGS: Our high-waist women’s leggings have built-in resistance bands that provide resistance to your legs with every movement in your daily life. This allows you to turn everyday activities that you do anyway into mini workouts. For example, shopping or going for a walk. The increased effort from wearing these women’s workout pants will help you burn more calories and lose weight.
MORE ENERGY, LESS FATIGUE & NOT LONGER SO QUICKLY OUT OF BREATH: Unlock a life of increased vitality with our lose weight leggings! Say goodbye to midday slumps as the built-in resistance bands engage your muscles, boosting your metabolism and energy levels throughout the day. No more huffing and puffing after climbing a flight of stairs—improve your stamina and breath control effortlessly.
ALL YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHES WILL FIT AGAIN: As these black yoga pants help you lose weight throughout your daily routine, you'll start to notice a slimmer, more toned physique. Before you know it, you'll be reaching for those cherished items that you thought were a thing of the past—be it your favorite jeans, that snug-fitting dress, or the tailored shirt that makes you feel confident and stylish.
FEEL HEALTHY & COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN BODY: By turning everyday movements into micro-workouts, resistance band leggings help women to tone up and lose weight, contributing to a healthier you. This isn't just about aesthetics—it's about the mental boost that comes from achieving your fitness goals and feeling more in tune with your body. Embrace the comfort and confidence that comes from feeling genuinely healthy and loving the skin you're in.
LOSE WEIGHT OR PAY NOTHING: Our 14 day money back guarantee enables all women to return their resistance band leggings and get a full refund. We do not just promise results, we guarantee them. Buy your weight loss pants now."

AnnPT77 · February 21

@BZAH10, "weight loss pants"? That's hysterical! Thanks for sharing that. Who thinks of these things . . . and who buys them?

tulips_and_tea · February 21

Scary, isn't it??? My favorite line is "ALL YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHES WILL FIT AGAIN". Sure, just wear these leggings and go about your normal day and all of the sudden your jeans from 20 years ago will fit perfectly! Ugh...

A couple of the ladies have talked about their leggings and how they've worked so far, but one said she doesn't believe in calorie counting (but admittedly has struggled with her weight for years) and another said she doesn't eat enough calories so "my body just holds on to the weight" because of that. So, I guess those are the folks that buy this type of gimmick.

Crazy Marketing Claims in Ads

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