Oregon sues LA Weight Loss

by Maggie Vink (Subscribe to Maggie Vink's posts)
Jul 18th 2007 6:30AM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment

I've never really understood the "lose weight for only $X per week" claims that some weight loss companies make. After all, you can lose weight for free on your own. But the guidance and support have value, so I guess I can understand the draw.

Oregon Attorney General has filed a suit against LA Weight Loss and a franchisee. The suit contends that their advertising claiming $9/week is false and misleading. The cost is accurate -- but instead of paying by week program participants have to pay up front. The lawsuit also alleges that clients were required to purchase LA Weight Loss branded food items (such as the candy-bar like LA Lite bars) in order to take advantage of the guarantee and rebate programs that were advertised. The law suit also takes issue with the advertisement of an "individualized" menu plan which is, in fact, one of 8 pre-made menu plans. The LA Weight Loss franchisee named in the law suit gave full refunds to customers who complained, but the advertising continued.

It's always important to thoroughly research and understand the plans of any weight loss organization. If you're looking for a support system and help with losing weight -- consider visiting your doctor for advice and enlisting the help of friends. There are also plenty of free online support groups to join. If you do join a weight loss group/plan locally, be sure to read the fine print and know what you're getting in to!

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Comments (4)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Diane Wiesner 8-11-2007 @ 8:18AM

I had never in my life joined a weight loss program, but felt like I might need help in loosing the 20 lbs I wanted to loose. I joined LA Weight Loss 3 years ago in Clackamas, Oregon and was met with very friendly "counselors" who immediately planned my program. I paid up front $900+ for the program and LA Lite Bars. My contract was to loose this weight in a certain amount of time, which at this point I don't remember (possibly 20 weeks), but when I approached this scheduled amount of time I was told by my "personal counselor" (someone I had never met before that I had violated my contract. I was told that I had promised to loose 20 lbs in x number of weeks and had not done so. The counselor got up at this point and left her cubicle. She came back and said they would make an exception for me by giving me an additional 10 weeks free to loose this weight with additional bars which I had to purchase. Sad to say, I did. I was so determined to keep to this diet even though I had reached a plato and couldn't quite move beyond it. On one of my visits a very upfront "counselor" told me that I only had a few pounds to loose and that this program was really for people who had way more to loose than I. And that it was impossible for me to loose the weight as fast as they could. I was extremely upset and realized that I was simply taken advantage of. Over the course of several months I spent at least $1500 with products. LA Lite Bars (250 calories each x 2 times a day). Plus writing in a food journal. When I cheated and recorded this, I was chastised for eating food I shouldn't have. So my next recourse was to lie about what I ate. This is no way to loose weight. This center is not what it is meant to be unless you have over 50 lbs to loose and don't care how much it costs you. Because it will cost you!

STACI 9-20-2007 @ 6:02PM

I am currently on the La weight loss program. I have lost a total of 10lbs in 7 weeks, I have fluctuated a lot. When I signed up, I was SHOCKED at the cost, but did it anyway. Then they tried to sell me the bars at a CRAZY price, I told them no, that was a lot of money, but she said to make the diet work, you need the bars. I pulled out my contract, and it states, that the bars are a part of the program, but NOT REQUIRED to lose weight. She really tried hard to work me to buy them, I said NO! She then said well you will need to be on a different food plan, I said that was fine. Anyway, about 1 week later, I told her, I still will not do the bars, but if I did, I would by on EBAY, much cheaper. Even though I am still there, I find it weird that no matter how much any person wants to lose, they put us on the same diet plan, and guarantee we will lose out goal weight within 29 weeks, how is that possible?

Ann 9-22-2007 @ 5:02PM

I joined LA Weightloss last year. Although they were offered, I declined the LA Lite bars and had no trouble with the staff about it. I have lost 32 lbs and am 4 lbs away from my 125 goal weight . The weeks I followed their plan I have lost weight, the weeks I overate (or underate) or ate the wrong things, I didn't loose weight. I only weigh once each week and simply can't say enough positive about the program and people. I have four freinds that joined after seeing my success and all have lost weight, two are on the bars, one is not. The one not on the bars has lost 22 lbs in 9 weeks with 10 lbs to go. I guess it may depends on the center you join and how committed to the program you are 'cause it has worked for me.

Jenny Hoyle 10-10-2007 @ 2:48PM

I don't remember when I joined L.A. Weight Loss but I felt it was my last chance. I don't remember the exact amount I paid but I do know it was alot! I was promised a one on one personal relationship which I don't feel I received.
Some of the councelors were rude and I felt like I was being reprimanded when I didn't loose what they thought I should. I found that because of a medical reason, I couldn't eat " the bars " and had to actually get a letter from my allergist in order to be reimbursed and to be allowed on the program.
Even though I continue to get phone calls from them, I will not go back. I was very disastified with the rigidity of the program and the lack of professionalism of the staff.