Thinking of purchasing an Electrical Muscle Stimulator, or some other "contraption", to tone your abs up? Surely you've seen them advertised on both television and in print ads.
On infomercials you'll see a buff guy or toned girl talking about "how to get ripped abs quick" and that "there's no easier way" than to simply strap on a stimulator, grab a refreshing drink, and sit and watch your favorite television show as your abs magically strengthen and fat melts away.
Hurray! However, much to these manufacturer's chagrin, the U.
S.
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) burst that bubble.
Take a look at what the FDA Consumer magazine reported earlier this decade: "...
the FTC officially filed complaints against three manufacturers of these EMS devices, alleging that they made false claims in their substantial advertising, seen in heavily aired infomercials on national cable television, in frequent television commercials, and ads in the print media.
The unsubstantiated claims cited by the FTC include the promise of "six pack" or "washboard" abs without exercise, claims that the devices will give users a trimmer waist or cause fat loss, and that use of the device is equivalent to (or better than) regular abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups or crunches.
The FTC complaints also allege that the advertising claimed falsely that the stimulators are safe for all to use, and did not disclose adequately the possible health hazards for some people.
" The FDA went on to declare that although an EMS device may be able to temporarily strengthen or tone a muscle, no EMS devices have been cleared for weight loss, girth reduction, or for obtaining "ripped" abs.
The agency has also received reports of shocks, burns, bruising, skin irritation(s), and pain associated with the use of these devices.
National cable news outlets have also recently reported these devices causing interference with implanted devices such as pacemakers and/or defibrillators.
What's scarier is some of these injuries required hospital treatment.
Still not convinced? The FDA is also concerned over the fact that many of these devices have cables and "leads", which may not comply with national electrical safety standards.
This then introduces the distinct possibility of electrocution.
However, don't think the scams stop with the marketing of mechanical or electrical products.
Magic pills, powders, "detox" tablets, and shakes are all advertised with collective billion dollar monster ad campaigns behind them.
The ads appear everywhere, on television and in print, with testimonials ranging from the "average" guy or girl to the known celebrity.
But don't be deceived: these people are paid for their endorsements and yes, may very well use the product (for free!), but more often than not did NOT achieve the body they show in the ad with that particular product.
It'd be like Billy Blanks being a spokesperson for a new pill that claims to take the fat off your midsection while building muscle up for form ripped abs.
Sure, Blanks may use that product, but he achieved the abs you see in the advertisement from years of eating right and exercising.
On infomercials you'll see a buff guy or toned girl talking about "how to get ripped abs quick" and that "there's no easier way" than to simply strap on a stimulator, grab a refreshing drink, and sit and watch your favorite television show as your abs magically strengthen and fat melts away.
Hurray! However, much to these manufacturer's chagrin, the U.
S.
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) burst that bubble.
Take a look at what the FDA Consumer magazine reported earlier this decade: "...
the FTC officially filed complaints against three manufacturers of these EMS devices, alleging that they made false claims in their substantial advertising, seen in heavily aired infomercials on national cable television, in frequent television commercials, and ads in the print media.
The unsubstantiated claims cited by the FTC include the promise of "six pack" or "washboard" abs without exercise, claims that the devices will give users a trimmer waist or cause fat loss, and that use of the device is equivalent to (or better than) regular abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups or crunches.
The FTC complaints also allege that the advertising claimed falsely that the stimulators are safe for all to use, and did not disclose adequately the possible health hazards for some people.
" The FDA went on to declare that although an EMS device may be able to temporarily strengthen or tone a muscle, no EMS devices have been cleared for weight loss, girth reduction, or for obtaining "ripped" abs.
The agency has also received reports of shocks, burns, bruising, skin irritation(s), and pain associated with the use of these devices.
National cable news outlets have also recently reported these devices causing interference with implanted devices such as pacemakers and/or defibrillators.
What's scarier is some of these injuries required hospital treatment.
Still not convinced? The FDA is also concerned over the fact that many of these devices have cables and "leads", which may not comply with national electrical safety standards.
This then introduces the distinct possibility of electrocution.
However, don't think the scams stop with the marketing of mechanical or electrical products.
Magic pills, powders, "detox" tablets, and shakes are all advertised with collective billion dollar monster ad campaigns behind them.
The ads appear everywhere, on television and in print, with testimonials ranging from the "average" guy or girl to the known celebrity.
But don't be deceived: these people are paid for their endorsements and yes, may very well use the product (for free!), but more often than not did NOT achieve the body they show in the ad with that particular product.
It'd be like Billy Blanks being a spokesperson for a new pill that claims to take the fat off your midsection while building muscle up for form ripped abs.
Sure, Blanks may use that product, but he achieved the abs you see in the advertisement from years of eating right and exercising.
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