Diet/Weight
Loss Advertising this page updated last on: 01/12/2013
Thanks to School Library Journal for recommending this resource.
Diet/Weight
Loss Advertising
this page updated last on:
01/12/2013
Thanks to School Library Journal for
recommending this resource.
INTRODUCTION
Yes, it's that time of year again--just after the holidays. Magazines
in particular feature cover stories
on losing weight.
And weight loss advertising seems to be everywhere, especially in these
new
year's publications.
Presented here are some resources, ads, and
activities that will encourage young people to use "critical thinking skills" as it relates
to these persuasive forms of advertising. Since teaching the "techniques
of persuasion" is in most state's teaching
standards, these ads are perfect for use in classroom settings. If you
have comments, please send them to me: fbaker1346@aol.com
BACKGROUND
In early December 2003, the Federal Trade Commission issued new guidelines
to the media about accepting advertisements for weight loss products which may
be
deceptive in their claims.
Read how the
media covered the story.
FTC Advice
issued December 2008:
Have some healthy skepticism. Consumers can learn
how to spot health scams,
such as fake cancer cures and bogus weight loss products, and do some research
on buying generic drugs, Lasik eye surgery,
and using dietary supplements. Consumers can learn about rights they may not
even know they had – like the right to
obtain a copy of prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses at
www.ftc.gov/health. ( See also the FTC
website: Red Flag:
Bogus Weight Loss Claims)
Presented below are several ads for educators/parents to consider using.
Use of these ads in this
context does not imply any deception. Rather I invite
educators/parents/students to use
media
literacy concepts and critical
thinking questions and apply them to these ads.
NEW: download these ads for analysis &
deconstruction
2013 Ad Posted on AOL
2013 Ad Posted on AOL Back Cover Ad from Dash Magazine
|
Nutrisystem (US Weekly, Jan. 14 2013) |
Hydroxy (US Weekly, Jan. 14 2013) |
Sensa (US Weekly, Jan. 14 2013) |
|
Weight Watchers Ad (US Weekly, Jan. 10 2011) |
Atkins Ad |
Nutrisystem |
|
Medifast Ad (Better Homes Magazine, January 2009) |
Jenny Craig Ad |
|
|
Alli Ad (Good Housekeeping, January 2009) |
NutriSystems
Ad (Parade, January 4, 2009) |
Atkins Ad |
|
Hydroxycut (US Weekly Magazine, January 12, 2009) |
Weight Watchers Ad (Better Homes & Gardens, Sept. 2008) |
Gabriel Method Web Ad |
2012 Ad from Yahoo WebSite
| Ad from AOL Homepage (January 2010) | Ad found on a blog below (February 2010) | Ad from AOL Homepage (January 2009) |
 |
 |
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FTC Fake WebSite for Student evaluation:
FatFoe
Recent news articles/research:
