On June 17th, the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance held a hearing on to explore false and deceptive advertising related to weight loss products.  Subcommittee senators were hoping to explore the improper practices and examine Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforcement against such advertising. The panel included members of the advertising and weight loss industries, a representative from the FTC, and a representative from the Better Business Bureau.

Dr. Oz testified before the subcommittee as a member of the weight loss industry. During his testimony, Dr. Oz explained his show presented information so as to be educational, in addition to entertaining.. He argues that sometimes simplifying and sensationalizing  is necessary to make information accessible for, as well as to attract the average viewer.  However, Dr. Oz claims that he also attempts to tackle some false advertising, particularly  green coffee.

According to the Dr. Oz Show website, green coffee has potential for weight loss benefits. Citing a 2012 study in a peer-reviewed medical journal, Dr. Oz summarizes the benefits and then enlists the show’s medical unit to run its own test. Their research showed a higher weight loss with green coffee bean extract than with a placebo.

CNN reports that the Senators grilled Dr. Oz on his practices, particularly focusing on green coffee beans. Criticizing him for perpetuating the scams, even though he may not be doing it intentionally, the Senators encouraged Dr. Oz to use his platform for good instead of cheapening it with “lose weight quick” schemes.