LA Weight Loss investigation
 

Hey you guys,


I was watching the news today and my local fox channel did an under cover at LA Weight Loss. It was pretty interesting they went in and signed up to check out the costs and what not. The second part is coming up tomorrow. If you live in the Atlanta area you should be able to catch it on channel 5. Or just go to their website if you google myfoxatlanta it'll come up under I-team stories.

Anyways so tomorrow is the second part. They find out what's really in the bars and their supplements. I thought it was really interesting and I'm sure most of you gals will find it informative. Have any of you seen the first part already? Let me know what you think.

There was a big ABC 20/20 expose on LAWL a few months ago that basically amounted to a hachet job.. It was incredibly one-sided.. While the program is very worthwhile, it's a business none-the-less, and so you should expect that some of their sales tactics can be "hard-press"...

As one who used to work with a very agressive TV investigative reporter, I caution any viewers to take the stories with a grain of salt.. News stations do very little to present both sides of a story... It's part of the reason why I got out of the business...

That said, our AG's office has joined with disenfranchised clients here in New Mexico (including Liz and me) and will be present at the upcoming bankruptcy hearing, to argue that their tactics for selling the lites amont to fraud and that the court should not forgive them debts owed on the lites we've paid for.. So keep your fingers crossed..

Hmm I agree that sometimes investigative stories like that can be one sided. However I saw this story and I think the reporter does a good job representing both sides. She interviewed someone that ended up spending thousands of dollars.

I have a feeling tomorrow's piece will be good too. They are looking into what actually goes into the LA lites and their supplements. You can't really go wrong with concrete medical information. Have you seen the piece by any chance?

I have not seen this expose but I would be interested to know if the reporter bothered to interview anyone who had been successful doing LAWL. We have quite a few success stories here and for every person who went in and spent a ton of money thinking that would magically melt their pounds away, there are probably just as many that went in, spent the money (and it does not have to be expensive if you do the all food plan) and followed the program to find that they could lose weight.

I see your point. Although you might want to actually check out the story before making that sort of comment. The focus of the story isnt whether or not people can lose weight on the program. I don't think anyone is disputing that. I'm sure plenty of people lose weight. In fact I know several people that work at LA Weight Loss Centers who have lost an incredible amount of weight.

However the focus here in this particular story is their sales tactics. Like I said you may want to check out the story before jumping to conclusions.

I have to ask the question - Are you the reporter? You really seem to be pushing this program. Ask yourself, what is the the cost healthwise and moneywise of diabetes or heart disease or the myriad of other diseases that impact the human body because a person is overweight? I wish I knew the total amount I have spent over the years trying to lose weight. Come to think of it, I don't want to know the total. It would be depressing. This is the first program that has worked for me other than the time I was under medical supervision of a world reknown obesity expert and I was prescribed drugs which caused permanent damage to my heart. And I got a small settlement as part of a class action suit. Ok, I will get off my soapbox now. I think you get my message.....

No I assure you I am not the reporter. In fact I've tried out LA Weight Loss and like I said I'm sure people do lose weight on the program. Again, I don't think that, that was the point of this story. I'm not "pushing" the program. I saw the story come on and thought of this site because I thought it was informative and thought the readers on the forum might have some interest in it since most of us have used LA Weight Loss and know the program.

Once again, I think if it's worked for you, then great. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from using it or not using it. Just thought after watching the story people could decide for themselves if its worth the investment.

I haven't seen the story but have read up on a lot on the different problems that have been reported about LAWL. I found this site, some news reports, articles, customer blogs, warning sites etc. Ultimately I still decided that this was the best plan for me bc I needed a plan that let you make your own choices and could be continued for a lifetime. I needed to learn which foods and what portions were right for me. SO I went into the center fully prepared to hear all of the sales tactics, pray on emotions, tear jerking stories etc and was pleasantly surprised that they were not pushy. They acknowledged that is was a lot of money but were very encouraging and seemed confident that I would succeed.

I think LAWL gets flack bc they ask for money up front. But as I understand it, that is part of their motivation. You have spent the money, you have the products, now all you have to do is stick to the commitment you have made to yourself and to your finances. I know it has helped me to not even think of quitting, "I've put too much money into it to quit!"

All in all, I think people get huffy bc weight is very emotional to most people. But like Lynn stated, being overweight is extremely expensive in the long run.

LAWL is ultimately a product and their counselors are ultimately in sales. We understand this about insurance agents, car salesmen, the people at the Gym, even the Avon lady. If you thought it was going to be free, if you thought there was nothing to sell, you are being naive.

The best one can do is their research before they invest in any product, including this one.

I agree research is important when trying to decide whether or not to spend so much money on things that are going into your body.

Hey I just found the first story on the website. Thanks for sharing this. I think it probably is concerning to someone who has no idea how much the program costs. But who would seriously spend over $4,000? I'm hoping that lady is an exception. I want to feel bad for her, but no one had a gun to her head! I really do think people get emotional about weight and I'm sure commission seeking counselors do take advantage of that.
I bet the atlanta based centers aren't too happy about that report! Thanks for sharing!

I live in Atlanta and just watched the Fox News....ho hum....they say absolutely NOTHING in this investigation that we have not all talked about or heard on this site 100 times. The gal they feature is a 50 year old lady that wanted to lose 80 lbs. Over an 18 month period she spent about $4300. She bought every product they offered....every supplement, snack, drink mix, etc. I think she was hoping to buy a miracle...you have to work this program for it to work.

And as far as the follow up show for tomorrow..what's in the lites?....well, the ingredients are clearly listed on the outside of the box....it's just another protein bar that uses soy and hydrogenated oil. The end of the investigation made me bust out laughing...one guy says...and how much are those lites...and the lady says...I'm not exactly sure...about $26 a week and the guy says...wow...that's a lot of money. He probably spent that for lunch today!

Dietgirl00 -- sorry, but I'm sort of suspect of your reasons to post here (the fact that you've never posted on this site before and came here to basically point out something negative about LAWL doesn't sit well with those of us who believe in the program). If you want to dig through this thread and read a bunch of posts about the last investigation, you would learn a thing or two and find out what a passionate bunch we are.

It's still a great way to lose weight, but you have to follow the program. For an honest, unpaid report on this program, check out Cassi's link at:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104658

Hey not a problem. I figured some people would have an interest in taking a look at the story. You're right no one did have a gun to her head but weight is a very emotional topic. And I'm sure some counselors can get a little pushy.
And when the pressures on and you have people saying this will make you lose weight I think people can end up spending that much money. I don't see it being entirely rare.

I don't know if you caught the end of the piece but there a second part about what's in their products which should make for an interesting piece I think.

I have to say I did a lot of research on this plan before going on it. When I was approached to do a personal endorsement, I wanted to make sure it was healthy. I won't tell people who see me as a trustworthy person in the media to spend their money on something that will hurt them or doesn't work. I turned down other offers because I just didn't believe in them.

Weight loss is a big money making business no matter what. Everyone who's written a book, done a lecture or come up with a program is making money. Trimspa, Slim Fast, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Richard Simmons, etc. are all about making money and all of them play on the emotions of being over weight. Don't you remember the Richard Simmons informercials that had people (and Richard) crying for the entire hour? My best friend used to sell for Jenny Craig. She's never had a weight problem in her life and I used to get upset with her for preying on such an emotional issue for her commission. But she put it to me this way: People are going to spend that money on something. They're there to spend money period. If it doesn't go to Jenny, it will go to something else that probably won't be healthy. At least this way, they're investing on improving their lives.

LA Weight Loss wants to make money and we want to lose weight. They have the program that is going to hold us accountable and lose weight. We're paying them to do this for us. This program DOES work and it is not a gimmick. Believe me, I really thought I was up on nutrition. I've studied it like a madwoman but it just wasn't clicking in my head that I wasn't doing it right until I started this program. This is a HEALTHY way to lose weight and you will lose it if you follow the program. As someone else said here, instead of putting their money in the pockets of the drive thrus, they're investing it here. It's just a matter of "shifting funds."

As a person in the media, I do know how biased those reports can be. It's something that really bothers me on a daily basis. I try to be like NPR in my reporting, getting all angles and letting the viewer/listener decide for themselves.

I watched the piece and I was thankful that my center is not pushy with the products. I know this is a great program that I can follow for the rest of my life. I know they could make their supplements and products a lot more healthy and it seems they are reformulating some of their products to be better for us. I eat super healthy foods and I also eat the la lites. At first I was bothered by how full of corn syrup they are. But as I follow the plan and have success, I find that they really help me because they satisfy my sweet tooth and then I never even think about cheating with ice cream, candy, etc.

As for the $4,000 plus that lady spent, I feel bad for her. I knew exactly what I was getting into and I think the money is worth it. It is cheaper than weight watchers, you just pay it all up front.

I think the Atlanta center might have to change their tactics a bit after this report. That is a good thing. My center was very upfront about everything and no pressure at all to do the lites or anything else. I am grateful and they have really helped me stay on track.

Dietgirl00 - I'd like to believe your motives were purely in our best interest, and it that is true, thank you for mentioning the show to us. I would have thought your good intentions would end there.
However I agree with Joni that it is quite a coincidence that you came here to "inform us" with the first post you've ever made on this site. I would think that if you truly had our best interest in mind, you would not feel the need to defend the show or continue to push it either. You come across as trying to stir something up.

As usual, the media will find a way to do a biased report on something whether it's factual or not and whether they include both (or all) sides or not. I've seen it over and over with exposes on churches, religions, entertainers, diets, politicians, and I can't count the many corporations and products. Let's face it. There are plent of people out there the have tried LAWL and failed. Same for every other "diet program" out there. Sales tactics?!? I've experienced sales tactics at EVERY diet program I've tried, as well as every time I've purchased life insurance, car insurance, vacations, time shares, vehicles, cosmetics, fragrances, etc. This time, it's LAWL. Next time it'll be Oxyclean or acne medicine or Chemlawn, Exxon, Revlon, Teflon, and on and on and on.
It this really news?!? No.
Are they going to tell those of us who believe in this program and have proven it works anything that will make us change our opinion of the program? No.
Are they going to stir up those that have tried this program and found it was not for them? Are they going to stir up those that have tried this program and given up on it because they were unable to stick with it? Are they going to stir up those that have never been in an LAWL Center, never seen the program, never tried the program? The answer is probably Yes to all three...
Seems like a lot of "stirring" going on around here!
Blessings,

I've witnessed first hand how biased reporting can be. We had an investigative report done on something going on where I work. When all the questions were cleared up, the reporter refused to come back and report on what had really happened, said that part wasn't good TV. Needless to say I'm very skeptical over any news report now and have to wonder about the other side of the story.

LAWL is a good plan and I have been more successful with it than any of the other VERY COSTLY programs that I've tried over the years. I purchased the lites and have bought some of their other products, because I chose too! Granted they can be a little pushy sometimes, some counselors more than others, but after you flat out say NO, don't need any products today they back off. I can honestly say what I've spent on the program and their products is probably less than the $10 per day for a huge restaurant lunch and the junk food I would have bought over the past 4 mos.

I feel bad for this lady and yes weight is a very sensitive issue for people but at some we are all accountable for ourselves. If she didn't have the $4000 to spend then she shouldn't have bought all the products. This is so typical of people today. "I overspent and got myself in financial trouble so now I have to blame someone, couldn't possibly be my fault." Some reporter trying to make a name for themself picked it up to try and make a story.

Prazteam- like I said time and again, I'm not here to dissuade anyone or persuade anyone into anything. Not once did I say people need to stop using LAWL. I saw this on television and thought I'd post it up here, since this is a discussion board pertaining to LAWL. And I'm not "pushing" the story. This is an open forum for discussion. That's what I'm doing discussing the story. Anyways, feel free to believe what you want.

dietgirl00..... then why are you here? you say you just thought you would post the info, but you also said you have "tried" LAWL......... what does that mean? did you join? did you follow it? did you lose? if you have actually done the program why are you here trying to give us info? The thing is those of us that have been here a while can tell there is a strange tone to your posts......... something just doesn't ring true. if you want to stir up trouble I sugjest you go to ivillage.com......... they also have a LAWL thread.

Free will
 

Well I went and watched the Fox news report. It sounds like the woman in the video thought she was getting a quick fix, which we all know doesn't exist. I personally have spent 2,000 dollars on my program. (gotta love tax returns) I signed up to loose 75 lbs and bought the bars upfront. I needed to know that I would follow through with the plan and the money spent gives me the added incentive not to fail!!! My center is not pushy in fact they offered the all food plan as well. I got the bars because I love sweets and it gives me an alternative to junk. I am in my 16th week of the program and have lost 30 pounds. To me that is worth way more than I have paid!
My counselors are very supportive and I need that support and push. I think that people need to be real, LA weightloss is a business, to stay in business they need to make money. They are there for folks like me who need the incentive and support to get through this, but they are providing a service and like any other service we pay for what we get.
My advice to anyone is go to several different programs and compare them, hey if you can use ediet and do it for free then you have more will power than I do :o
I also have to add that I love the extra support of this site, it is great to know other people in the same situation are available as a support system.

Get um girls!.

I have tried EVERY DIET PILL on the market with no luck other than bad side effects. I joined LAWL in May and am currently down 20 pounds and the way I look and feel is worth every penny I have spent. I have stuck to the program. However, I had the sense to test the water to see if it worked for me before jumping into a huge investment. Right now I am out $345 for my first 6 weeks with bars and have signed up for another 6 weeks and bars for $168.00. Money Well spent in my down to size 10 from 14 opinion. :carrot:

Gang... Whatever her motives, I appreciate DG's bringing this to our attention..

Like most of you, I've enjoyed a lot of success with the LAWL program.. But you all also know, Liz and I were badly screwed when the franchise owner decided to close the shops without even letting the staff know..

I think we can all agree that the LAWL method of losing weight is effective if you follow the plan... But I think we'd also agree that the sales tactics by some of the COD's leave a LOT to be desired..

Again, whatever the motives, let's not slay the messenger...

Just my humble 2 cents...

Oh, and Liza.. Speaking as someone who worked for NPR.. There are better places to get both sides of a story.. :lol:

I agree, I think we're being a little too hostile toward DG on this one. While I love the program itself, and have personally been happy with the results, I'm certainly aware that it isn't perfect. I definitely appreciate having this brought to my attention, and I think it's important for people considering LAWL to hear this side of the story as well. The fact is, not all centres have the client's best interest at heart, and some counselors are downright mean and pushy! I went into it having done a lot of research, and I knew what to expect, which I think are VERY important to success on the program.

Regardless of whether the program accurately represented LAWL as a whole, I think we can all agree that it's not so far-fetched that centres like that exist, and that's a problem.

I really don't think that if dietgirl00 is real that there is a problem pointing out a new report. I think where this reaction is coming from is that the over all feeling from most of us is that it is not what it seems. go back and read her posts. they don't all jive. Pearl is right it is as if she is the reporter or someone trying to fish for feedback for some other purpose. If on the slim chance that dietgirl00....... notice we don't even have a real name........ is really just one of us and really just posting for the heck of it. I will be the first to apoligize......... but I am not alone in the feeling that there is a scam of some sort afoot here!

Lettie is right on!

Dan - I also think you are right on with your legal issues. You're not complaining that you paid for a service, it's the fact that you are no longer getting the service you paid for!

Unfortunately, this is a franchise and certain things will vary from center to center. A responsible reporter would point that out. A responsible consumer does their homework and shops around before making a big investment. Like when I was buying a new car. I knew exactly which one I wanted but I had to try a couple of dealerships until I found one who wanted to sell it to me and not my boyfriend.

and one more thought. I paid twice this much when I went to Jenny Craig 13 years ago and I had half the amount of weight to lose!. So I really don't understand the hype about cost. almost every time I have heard someone complain about the cost it is because they didn't stick to the program and didn't lose. and that is thier fault!

This thread has totally confused me.

FYI - We have strong reason to believe this topic was started as spam, or viral marketing. Both are a big no-no on our forums.

As several of you have pointed out, this topic has been discussed many times in the past in this forum and is not anything new. Therefore, I am closing this thread. If another LA Weight Loss member wishes to discuss the topic further, please feel free to open a new thread :)

Hi all... yes, we know that some CODs suck. It seems most of the complaints stem from the franchises. And, Dan, what happened to you and Liz definitely sucks and is unacceptable.

What I think everyone is having a problem with is that Dietgirl created a profile and then her first post in an LAWL support board is about the investigation. This thread is the only place she has EVER posted. That's what sounds fishy, and I think that's why those of us who are working the program are wary of her.

Her comments are valid, and she was just bringing up a topic, but for her first post and only subsequent posts to be on a support thread and bad-mouthing the program we all paid for and believe in is where we are having trouble taking her posts as merely "discussion".