Search Weight Loss Topics:




Aug 31

Consumers Lose More Than Weight with Noom Health App – Flagstaff Business & Online News | Northern Arizona Local Newspaper – Flagstaff Business…

Long Term Weight Loss Comments Off on Consumers Lose More Than Weight with Noom Health App – Flagstaff Business & Online News | Northern Arizona Local Newspaper – Flagstaff Business…

Consumers who are at home more than usual during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic may be especially interested in getting in shape by trying out convenient web-based health and fitness services. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about Noom, a popular app-based weight loss service.

According to BBB Serving Metropolitan New York, where Noom is headquartered, customers have submitted well over a thousand complaints alleging the company offers misleading free trials and subscriptions are difficult to cancel after free trials are complete. Nearly 100 of the complaints received are from consumers in the BBB Pacific Southwest region.

Many stay-at-home consumers are looking for options that can help them achieve their health and wellness goals during this pandemic time, said Claire Rosenzweig, President and CEO of BBB Serving Metropolitan New York. Smartphone applications and online programs may seem convenient especially when coupled with attractive free trial offers but consumers must always be cautious when shopping for a weight loss service.

Between August 16, 2019 and August 18, 2020, BBB received 1,213 consumer complaints regarding Noom, representing a significant uptick in complaint volume over previous years. Since July 2017, Noom has drawn a total of 2,023 complaints.

According to complaints made to BBB, consumers reportedly try to cancel the trial offer before it ends but still end up being billed for the subscription. A number of these consumers said they believed after the free trial the cost of monthly membership was between $20 and $40. Instead, they discovered they were charged for several months upfront upon the free trials end, resulting in alleged charges varying from $120 to $180 or more. Consumers consistently alleged difficulty trying to get in contact with Nooms customer service to request a refund of charges. They then turned to BBB for assistance.

As of this date, Nooms BBB Business Profile displays a D rating due to the high volume of complaints filed against the business and the companys failure to address the underlying cause of its recent pattern of complaints.

To avoid losing money on free trials and subscription services, especially in the health and wellness area, BBB recommends the following tips:

Be wary of free trial offers, and before signing up, fully understand all the terms and conditions. Free trial offers are common in the health and beauty category. Some deals might become subscription traps that hook consumers into paying for expensive products or services that they did not intend or agree to buy. Be cautious and proceed carefully if the business terms say that it takes payment from your credit card until you cancel.

Determine your fitness goals and check the details. Its hard work to lose weight. Find a program you can stick with, preferably one you enjoy, with goals that seem reasonable to you. Be sure you understand how the product or service is supposed to work. Does a weight loss plan require you to buy special foods? Can you cancel if you move or find the program doesnt meet your needs?

Always be wary of overpromises in advertisements and customer testimonials for weight loss services. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), evidence suggests a gradual loss of 1-2 pounds per week is a healthy goal and is more successful for achieving long-term weight loss.

Report concerns. If you come across an ad for a weight loss program or product that feels like its overpromising or deceptive, report it. Contact your BBB, report suspicious, confusing or misleading ads to BBB Ad Truth and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.

Research the company with BBB.org before purchasing. Many companies specializing in weight loss programs or products have lengthy consumer track records with BBB. Check what people have to say about the product or company name by checking BBB.org and searching the internet in general to see if there are any complaints alleging issues you may come across yourself.

BBB.ORG

For more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, please contact Marilyn Huffman at 928-772-3410 or marilyn.huffman@bbbcommunity.org.

About the Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest.For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been helping people find businesses and charities they can trust. In 2019, people turned to BBB more than 358 million times by checking more than 232 million business profiles all available to the public for free at bbb.org. Incorporated locally in 1938, BBB Serving Pacific Southwest covers Greater Arizona and Southern California with key campuses in Phoenix, San Diego, Newport Beach, Prescott, Yuma, and Lake Havasu City. BBB Serving Pacific Southwest is supported by over 19,000 BBB Accredited Businesses, making it one of the largest BBB nationwide. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to high standards of ethical business practices in the marketplace. BBB provides objective expertise and educational programs on topics affecting marketplace trust.

See the original post:
Consumers Lose More Than Weight with Noom Health App - Flagstaff Business & Online News | Northern Arizona Local Newspaper - Flagstaff Business...

Related Posts

    Your Full Name

    Your Email

    Your Phone Number

    Select your age (30+ only)

    Select Your US State

    Program Choice

    Confirm over 30 years old

    Yes

    Confirm that you resident in USA

    Yes

    This is a Serious Inquiry

    Yes

    Message:



    matomo tracker