HCG Platinum Class Action Lawsuits. Parker Waichman LLP is investigating a potential class action lawsuit on behalf of consumers who purchased an item that belongs to the assortment of HCG Platinum-branded weight-loss products, which are alleged to be falsely positioned as a solution for dieters seeking the rapid loss of a substantial amount of weight.
Allegations of wrongdoing by the marketer of these products have come to light following the filing of a lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in Arizona federal court. The FTC’s lawsuit names three defendants: HCG Platinum LLC, Right Way Nutrition LLC, and Kevin Wright, who is said to be the manager.
HCG Platinum’s liquid drops and related supplements are advertised in magazines, retail stores and online. According to the FTC, the marketer uses its advertising to convey to consumers the impression that its products are capable of bringing about the swift loss of substantial amounts of weight. In fact, the group marketing HCG Platinum products advises consumers that they will lose the same amounts of weight as endorsers of the products allegedly lost; these endorsers are featured in the marketer’s advertisements – which the FTC describes as false and without proper substantiation.
Still, the marketing of HCG Platinum products, since 2010, has resulted in revenue of more than $13 million, according to the FTC. Products are mainly sold through retail outlets including General Nutrition Corp., Rite Aid and Walgreens, and on the product’s own website.
Human Placenta Hormone Long Alleged to Be Weight Loss Solution
The weight-loss products marketed by this group contain HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone in human placenta that, according to the FTC, “for decades has been falsely promoted by various marketers for weight loss.”
Products containing this hormone have already been in the spotlight as part of a combined effort between the FTC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In November 2011 the two agencies jointly sent warning letters to seven marketers of products that contained HCG – the group included Kevin Wright, who is part of the new HCG Platinum marketing push of products containing the hormone. The letter revealed that the products offered by the seven marketers were actually mislabeled drugs, in accordance with the FDA Act, and also illegal, based on the FTC Act, which has made weight loss claims not supported by reliable scientific evidence illegal.
The present concern is focused on HCG Platinum’s claims—featured on both its packaging and in advertising—that:
- Consumers will lose a pound or two per day for several weeks, for a total of up to 127 pounds
- The products are safe and have been clinically proven to burn fat and reduce weight
- The products also can lower cholesterol
Legal Help for Those Who Purchased HCG Platinum Products
If you or someone you know purchased any products from the HCG Platinum assortment for personal use, you may have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form or call 1(800)-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about joining the class action lawsuit.