Feds crackdown on four bogus weight loss aids

Makers of a weight loss additive called Sensa will return more than $26 million to consumers to settle federal charges that the company used deceptive advertising claiming that consumers could lose weight by simply sprinkling the powder on their food.

The government's settlement with California-based Sensa is part of a broader crackdown on four companies peddling weight-loss products including food additives, skin creams and dietary supplements.

The Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday it will also collect $7.3 million from LeanSpa, a company that promotes weight loss supplements through fake news websites. Also swept up in the action are skin cream maker L'Occitane and HCG Diet Direct, which sells unproven hormones for weight loss. The companies will together return about $34 million to consumers to settle the federal charges.

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