Legal Question in Consumer Law in Illinois

Weight Loss Program or Gimmick

National weight loss uses this sales pitch. ''Most people join a weight loss program and pay a small monthly fee. Problem is that most people stop coming back after a couple months. With our program, you pay up front for x months. We've found that people are more likely to continue coming since they've paid up-front.''

My opinion: what a scam! Poor, fat person comes in listens to the sales pitch, pays the $400, comes once or twice and then never comes back. The company makes $400 for doing nothing.

Obesity is a disease. To me, this is like telling an alcoholic ''Sure we can treat your drinking problem, just give us $400 and come back next week''.

Is it agains the law to take advantage of people in situations like this?


Asked on 2/15/07, 10:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: Weight Loss Program or Gimmick

This is no different than joining a health club and then not showing up, or even purchasing a magazine subscription and then not reading the magazine after a few issues. If someone agreed to pay for a certain period of time and did not use the service, that is not the company's fault. Nothing in your question indicates there was any fraud involved.

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Answered on 2/21/07, 10:10 am


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