FTC claim denied

Single Sign-On: You can use Facebook account to log in to LasVegasSun.com. (We will use your first and last name from your profile.)
Trusted Commenting: Facebook connected users automatically become trusted commenters.

Wednesday, May 15, 2002 | 11:03 a.m.

A Ventura, Calif.-based distributor of "Fast Abs" -- an electronic massage fitness belt that supposedly eliminates fat and helps users develop abdominal muscles -- is disputing claims of deceptive advertising leveled by the Federal Trade Commission last week in a Las Vegas lawsuit.

United Fitness of America LLC, its manager George Sylva and another Fast Abs distributor, Tristar Products Inc. of Parsippany, N.J., were accused of making false claims about the effectiveness of the belt.

But Sylva disputed the FTC's claims and said marketing of the device has been discontinued. "Although United Fitness made no claim that Fast Abs alone will cause consumers to lose weight, when used in connection with the diet plan that accompanied the products, customers could reasonably expect to lose weight," he said.