Ullman Comments on Legal Landscape of Weight Loss Supplements
February 9, 2022 |Marc Ullman was cited in the NutraIngredients-USA article, “Navigating the legal landscape of weight loss supplements.”
The article explains that since over 42% of adults in the United States are obese, the weight loss industry has an easier time marketing their products. However, this category of supplements has a checkered history and their claims are not always legally correct.
The FDA stated that hidden ingredients in these products have become more of a problem over time.
Ullman commented, “This is a red flag category for regulators at all levels – FDA, FTC, State Attorney Generals – as well as the class action bar. The category is directed at what FDA and FTC consider a vulnerable population and historically has been rife with products making exaggerated if not fraudulent claims.”
He said substantiation is always a challenge in this category. “Both the FDA and FTC are extremely skeptical of products in this category and neither believe that there can be a magic bullet for weight loss and that the absence of reference to diet and exercise is a red flag. Finding an effective product that can work without stimulants or significant side effects remains an ongoing struggle.”
Ullman also stated including a reference to diet and exercise as well as slow, steady weight loss is always advisable.
