Wednesday 1 June 2011

Chris Large's Big Whopper


Chris Large is the allegedly non-fictional pseudonym of a chap I met at Mind Body Spirit the other week.


Occupying a lonely corner of the exhibition hall, "Chris" was trying to flog his miracle weight-loss product, Bios Life Slim.

(Image credit - not Chris Large)

According to the handout "Chris" gave me (available here and here), the benefits of taking Bios Life Slim include

"1. Promotes fat loss 2. Reduces appetite and cravings 3. Improves cholesterol levels 4. Balances blood sugar 5. Reduces fat levels in the blood 6. Regulates bowel functions 7. You don't have to change your eating habits for Bios Life Slim to work"

The company website claims that Bios Slim is clinically proven.

Unsurprisingly, all of these claims seem to be unencumbered by the truth.
ASA complaint follows!

"I'm writing to complain about a handout for "Chris Large" / Unicity Service GmbH, which I picked up from their own stall at the 'Mind Body Spirit' exhibition in London on 26th May.

The handout promotes a weight-loss product, the "Bios Life Slim", which is described as a "Revolution in Fat Loss".

1. "What are the benefits of taking Bios Life Slim? - 1. Promotes fat loss 2. Reduces appetite and cravings 3. Improves cholesterol levels 4. Balances blood sugar 5. Reduces fat levels in the blood 6. Regulates bowel functions 7. You don't have to change your eating habits for Bios Life Slim to work"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate any of these health claims. I'd also like to challenge whether the claim "You don't have to change your eating habits" gives the impression that dieters cannot fail or can eat as much as they like and still lose weight.

2. The handout shows four pairs of photos, ostensibly taken over the course of 90 days. Below the photos, text appears claiming that the man pictured reduced the size of his neck, chest and waist with the advertised product. I challenge whether this breaches Section 13.9 of the CAP Code.

3. The handout includes four testimonials. One of the testimonials boasts of a user who lost 29 lbs in 60 days, and 36 lbs in 90 days; another boasts of a user who lost 8 kilos in 8 weeks; another user apparently lost 80 pounds. I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claims are misleading and whether the testimonials themselves are genuine.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with any related company."

1 comment:

  1. Well frankly I am not impressed at all.His before shows him with man boobs and flabby.His after shot shows him a little leaner and in better condition.This is nothing that could not be achieved by a little dieting,with reduction of calories and an improvement in the direction of developing healthier eating patterns.A little exercise might help as well, whether it be some formal exercise or just increasing overall activity by for example taking a few more walks.

    It would not be at all required to take his product.I speak as an exercise teacher,a GP Exercise Referral Specialist and a holder of Postgraduates in Health Education and health Promotion from a UK University.

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.