TV doc OZ slammed by “monolithically” opposed Senators for “miracle” weight loss claims in bitter Capitol Hill war.
Mehmet Oz sparred with the nation’s lawmakers Tuesday he testified before a Senate panel to defend his frequent claims certain products can cause “miracle” weight loss.
At a Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee hearing led by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) on deceptive advertising in particular for for weight loss products, the “Dr. Oz Show” host stood his ground as senators attacked, demanding that he stop endorsing sand ballyhooing “Pure Green Tea” among others
“I don’t get why you need to say this stuff, because you know it’s not true,” Sen. McCaskill stated.
“The scientific community is almost monolithically against you in terms of the efficacy of the products you called ‘miracles,’” McCaskill told Oz.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said, “It’s a major problem when people are spending more and more money and they’re gaining more and more weight,”
“Either you don’t talk about these things at all, or you’re going to have to be more specific, because right now, this is not working.”
On the defensive, Oz testified that he “heard the message,” but continued arguing his approach to dieting. "I do personally believe in the items that I talk about,” he said.
"I intensively study them. I have given my family these products … If you can lose a pound a week more than you would have lost by not using them, it jump-starts you and gets you going. I think it makes sense.”
"I'm surprised you’re defending this,” McCaskill replied. “It’s something that gives people false hope. I don’t see why you need to go there.”
Oz responded, “When I can’t use language that is flowery, that is exulting, I feel like I’ve been disenfranchised.”
P.T. Barnum may have said it best – “There’s sucker born every minute.”
