Fast, Safe, and Energetic? by Jenn Alves-Jackson

Many times when we see advertisements, we run to the store and buy what seems to be the "new best thing." However, in this world of fine print and disclaimers, it is important that we (consumers) recognize and evaluate the claims that advertisements make before we spend our hard-earned cash. In order to demonstrate this point, I have evaluated the argument made by the makers of Metabolife in their Internet ad.

The Metabolife 365 ad makes the claim that this product will help us (overweight consumers) lose weight fast and safe. M365 will accomplish this without making us lose our energy. It makes these claims based on certain grounds. For example, we will lose weight fast because the pill increases our metabolism, which in turn burns fat. The clinical research has proven not only M365's effectiveness, but also its safety. In addition, Metabolife 365 is great because it will not drain our energy like diets; on the contrary, it contains supplements that actually increase our energy levels. The warrant of this advertisement--that people need to control their weight and energy levels--is backed by the security of knowing that the purchase of M365 comes with a money back guarantee. This guarantee is supposed to make us believe in this product. Now, pay close attention: In order to use M365, we have to want a few things; this is known as claim qualification. For example, we must want to look and feel better emotionally as well as physically.

So, that is my evaluation. Personally, I am not running to the Metabolife cart. This advertisement seems too good to be true. If I want to burn fat, I will exercise. If I want to lose weight, I will watch what I eat. M365 makes promises I am not sure it can keep. It is loaded with non-FDA approved herbal supplements. I think I will stick to the diet and exercise routine. If I want a diet aid, I will ask an M.D., not M365. Besides, when I want to feel better emotionally, I eat chocolate, which I walk off later while shopping. Doesn't my way sound like more fun? So, the next time an advertisement makes you want to jump up and buy the product, evaluate it and see if it's still worth it!

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