Recently 4 weight loss companies (Sensa Products, L’Occitane, HCG Diet Direct and LeanSpa) were charged with fraud by the Federal Trade Commission.The New York Times reported, "On Tuesday, the commission charged four companies with deceptively marketing weight-loss products, asserting they made “unfounded promises” that consumers could shed pounds simply by using their food additives, skin creams and other dietary supplements." ( Read full article here!! )
If you have followed my blogs or me on facebook , you know I am a passionate advocate for learning about "real" foods and living a healthy life style. I am also relentlessly fed up with the weight loss industry and all the lies they feed us to profit off of our emotions. We are so emotional about how we look, we will buy into anything that will promise us success! And they all promise success, Right?
As a fitness instructor, it is my job to keep up with my credits for my re-certification each year. Being just a few credits shy of applying for my re-cert, I decided to take an on-line course to finish up. In reading my material on nutrition and supplements, I learned that weight loss products, supplements, and shakes sold as supplements and often used as meal replacements are NOT regulated by the FDA. According to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) , "Shockingly, dietary supplement safety is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer, not the FDA or any other government agency." Although some companies can claim to adhere to regulations and guidelines for the manufacturing of supplements, that simply means they are following the guide lines for production, and has little to no affect to the content of the product.
In another online credit course through AFAA, I am reminded that it is advised I refrain from selling or advocating the use of weight loss products, meal replacements, and/or supplements..... Which brings me to one of many reasons I am writing this blog.
WHY ARE WEIGHT LOSS SUPPLEMENTS BEING SOLD IN GROUP FITNESS??!
When I developed my passion for group fitness, instructors were my gateway to fitness and the inspiration for learning. Most classes were created from the passion and creativity of the instructor who brought the fun and excitement into movement. In addition, they fostered a family of fitness fanatics and gave the example of a fit lifestyle. I WAS HOOKED!! Step, kickbox, heavy bag boxing, weight lifting, yoga..... I loved it all! And, I loved that the only motive for teaching was passion and fun! No sales! No pressure! No fees! (unlike the trainers) Just passion and fun!
Now a days (am I that old?) most classes are purchased through a company, learned by the instructor, and taught in the gyms. It has proven to be quite successful and I'm not knocking that (I have a blast in many of those classes). But what gets my panties in a bunch is when I see weight loss products being sold on the aerobic floor (or through instructors).
?!?!Really?!?!
Just what are we teaching our class goers?! You have to work hard in the gym, but not the kitchen?? Just come take our classes and then fill up on pills and shakes to get healthy?? NO!!
Let me be clear when I tell you (present company included) most instructors ARE NOT QUALIFIED to sell you supplements. All we know about the product is what you know through the company's website (remember, it is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer, not the FDA to ensure safety and effectiveness of product). If we are selling this to you, it is not because we are educated to do so or because we know it works any better than real food - we're not and we don't. It is because the company we bought our choreography from sold us this to sell to you for the sole purpose of bringing in more revenue to their company. ($$$$$). PERIOD.
Why does this get my panties in a bunch? Because, like many of you, I looked to my fitness instructors as a role model of, "healthy". Back in the day when I was overweight and looking to get healthy, if approached by my instructor, I may have purchased their product as my solution. Why? Because I didn't know what 'healthy' was. All I knew was they looked healthy and I wanted that for myself.
I hate seeing my stomping ground being turned into another venue for weight loss supplement profit (10 more burpees then..... buy my shake to lose weight and feel great)
Stay true. Never stop learning. And remember, good health and a healthy weight come from healthy living and real, whole, foods.
It may be a new year, but if you truly want a new you that will last well into, and beyond 2015, it will take what all of those magic promises don't want you to know (and it's not money). It will take time, effort, and a great deal of learning.
Always True,
~Kelly
