Weight loss programs in the US are a multi-billion dollar industry, and the contracts behind them are designed to lock you in and make it difficult to leave. Whether it's a meal delivery service, a coaching program, or a medically supervised weight loss clinic, the contract terms vary enormously — and many include auto-renewal clauses, high cancellation fees, and results guarantees that don't hold up to scrutiny. The FTC has been increasingly active in pursuing weight loss companies for deceptive practices, but the best protection is understanding your contract before you sign.
What is a Membership Terms and Cancellation?
A weight loss program contract is an agreement for services that may include meal plans, nutritional supplements, coaching or counselling sessions, medical consultations, prescription medications, and access to digital platforms. These contracts typically involve recurring payments (monthly or weekly), minimum commitment periods, and automatic renewal. Some programs also sell products (meals, supplements, equipment) under separate purchase agreements that interact with the service contract.
Red flags to watch for
A 'money-back guarantee' that requires you to attend every session, follow every meal plan exactly, and submit weekly food logs makes the guarantee nearly impossible to claim.
Many state automatic renewal laws require advance notice before renewal. A contract that auto-renews without notification may violate your state's auto-renewal statute.
If you can sign up online in minutes but can only cancel by certified letter or visiting a location, the contract is designed to make cancellation as difficult as possible.
Some programs require you to buy their meals or supplements under a separate contract with its own cancellation terms. You could cancel the coaching but still be locked into product purchases.
If the marketing promises specific weight loss results but the contract disclaims all guarantees of outcomes, the company is trying to have it both ways.
Mandatory arbitration prevents you from joining a class action if the company engages in widespread deceptive practices. This benefits the company, not you.
Your legal rights
The FTC Act (Section 5) prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices, including misleading weight loss claims. The FTC's 2024 updated guidance on health product claims requires that weight loss claims be supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. Automatic renewal laws exist in most states — California's ARL (Business and Professions Code §17600-17606) requires clear disclosure of auto-renewal terms, affirmative consent, and easy cancellation. The FTC's Negative Option Rule (16 CFR Part 425) and the 2024 'Click-to-Cancel' rule require that cancelling must be as easy as signing up. Several states, including New York and Connecticut, have specific laws regulating weight loss centers and programs. If a program makes false health claims, you may also have remedies under state consumer protection statutes.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1What are the exact conditions of the money-back guarantee?
- 2How do I cancel, and can I cancel online?
- 3Will I receive advance notice before automatic renewal?
- 4Are there separate contracts for services and products, and do they have different cancellation terms?
- 5What scientific evidence supports the weight loss claims made in your marketing?
- 6Is there an arbitration clause, and does it include a class action waiver?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.