Jillian Michaels: Sued

February 11, 2010 General Interest

According to the Associated Press:

Jillian Michaels has been sued for alleged false advertising by a woman who claims she was duped into buying a diet supplement endorsed by the celebrity trainer.

Christie Christensen of Lake Elsinore, Calif., is seeking class-action status for the case she filed Tuesday in Los Angeles. Michaels is a hard-charging, no-nonsense trainer best-known as one of the stars of NBC’s hit reality show, “The Biggest Loser.”

Christensen’s lawsuit claims she bought a product called “Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Calorie Control” last month and that it has failed to lessen her appetite or cause her to lose weight as advertised.

Michaels’ picture and endorsement appear on the packaging, touting her as “America’s Toughest Trainer.” The product and a Web site advertising include the claim, “Two Capsules Before Main Meals and You Lose Weight … That’s It!”

“Ms. Michaels knows better – taking two pills before eating does not miraculously cause weight loss,” the lawsuit states.

Not that I’m defending Jillian, but duh!!!  I’m amazed at the number of false and flat out ridiculous claims that supplement makers advertise.  Unfortunately, the supplement industry is unregulated so false advertisers may get punished after the fact, but most get away with it.  Jillian Michaels just happens to be high profile enough.  But in my opinion, lawsuits for false advertising doesn’t have enough.
The dieting industry is a money-making system. What I’m curious to know is why do Americans continue to pour their hard earned dollars into it?  According to Business Week the diet industry raked in 80 billion dollars in 2008.
If you want to invest in your health buy more produce, buy new walking shoes, hire a registered dietitian for a couple of nutrition counseling sessions but don’t throw your money away for useless weight loss supplements!

2 comments

  2. I think part of the issue is that the idea of spending $10 to take a pill is a lot easier and more appealing than making more complicated changes to your diet or exercise habits…even though it doesn’t work long term, it’s comforting in the moment.

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