Dr. Oz under fire for weight-loss scams

June 18, 2014
Zaina Kahuk
News Writer
Headlines

Celebrity surgeon Mehmet Oz faced criticism from members of senate on Tuesday for using his nationally watched TV show to promote weight-loss products to naive consumers. Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri and other lawmakers called out Oz for labeling certain supplements on his show as a “magic weight-loss cure,” and “the No. 1 miracle in a bottle”, even though he knows this is false. McCaskill and other lawmakers said “The Dr. Oz Show” is host for scams and products featured on the show enjoy a dramatic increase in sales. Oz said he has been very careful with his wording on the show over the last two years. He also said studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the products he promotes on his show, with the right diet and exercise. Lawmakers specifically aimed at Oz’s promotion of Pure Green Coffee Beans. The company claims to help users lose 20 pounds in four weeks and 16 percent of body fat in three months, but were sued by The FTC in May. Oz told lawmakers he’s been victimized himself by companies using his quotes or his likeness out of context as an endorsement.