Herbal Magic == Scam?

Tonight's episode of Marketplace seems like it may be a good one for anyone who has been thinking about using the supplements and support provided by the 300-store chain Herbal Magic.

When you sign up for their program, you can expect to pay about $1000 annually for the support and weigh-ins, and then another $250/month for mandatory supplements. The Marketplace hosts take the supplements to the Natural Standards lab to have them put under the microscope to see just what value they actually offer.

Oddly enough, Herbal Magic is now "phasing out" that line of supplements, and will replace them with a new line by fall 2010.

Update:

A couple of other items you should know about the Herbal Magic weightloss packages if you missed the episode:

• Your "health coach" is not actually a trained nutritionist or counsellor - ask what credentials he or she holds in this field;
• Your "health coach" is paid base + commission - they have a vested interest in selling you additional products for each issue you discuss;
• Check your Herbal Magic supplements for an NHP number to see if it meets their claim of being licensed by the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD). Use the Licensed Natural Health Products Database to ensure that the individual product is licensed to make the health claims being made in the marketing materials and in the "coaching" sessions.

Companies that sell "natural" products without ethical considerations taint the entire sector.

Source
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Posted by: gisela on 2010-02-05 16:47:29

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