Dr. Mehmet Oz, who runs a popular TV show, is now forced to defend his claims of miracle weight loss supplements after immense criticisms from members of Congress. Oz testified on Tuesday before Congress over deceptive advertising for over-the-counter diet supplements and products.
Oz claims that he believes in the products he talks about on his show. He says he studies them and often realizes that they don't have the scientific backing to be presented as facts to his audience. However, he went on to say that he would give his audience the same advice he gives his family when it comes to taking these products.
Many of the products Dr. Oz spoke about on his show, went on to achieve immense success in the health marketplace, which some see as proof that Dr. Oz is a powerful man who may be taking advantage of folks who tune into his show for health related advice.
"If the only message I gave was to eat less and move more, which is the most important thing people need to do, we wouldn't be very effectively be tackling this challenge, because viewers know these steps and they still struggle," he said. "So we search for tools and crutches for short-term support so people can jump-start their programs."
Strangely enough, Oz said that he knows some of the products he promotes are controversial, but they are a necessary crutch for the millions of Americans who are obese.
Sen. Claire McCaskill, who chairs the Senate's Consumer Protection panel, says that Oz does a lot of good on his show, but she doesn't get why he needs to deceive Americans who watch his show on a regular basis.
Dr. Oz fires back by saying his show is about hope, and that he tries to get folks to realize that there are different ways to rethink their future.
Whatever the case against Dr. Oz, it appears he wants to join with the Senate in fighting against drugs and false advertisements that do nothing for American public. Oz said he agreed to testify at the hearing because he wants to help lawmakers hold companies accountable for the claims they make about products.
