Two marketers of women’s caffeine-infused “shapewear” undergarments have settled Federal Trade Commission charges over weight-loss claims. The companies, Norm Thompson Outfitters and Wacoal America, have settled charges over claims that their caffeine-infused products for weight loss were false and not substantiated by scientific evidence. The companies must pay a total of $1.5 million in consumer redress.

Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement, “Caffeine-infused shapewear is the latest ‘weight-loss’ brew concocted by marketers.” She continued, “If someone says you can lose weight by wearing the clothes they are selling, steer clear. The best approach is tried and true: diet and exercise.”

In the FTC’s complaint against Norm Thompson Outfitters, the clothing company allegedly participated in deceptive advertising and marketing and sold women’s undergarments infused with microencapsulated caffeine, retinol, and other ingredients with the claim that the “shapewear” would lead to weight loss and help reshape the women’s bodies and reduce cellulite. The products, which are constructed with Lytess brand fabrics, were sold through mail order and on the company’s Norm Thompson Outfitters, Sahalie, Body Solutions and Body*Belle websites.

The FTC alleges that the company claimed that wearing its shapewear would eliminate or substantially reduce cellulite; reduce the wearer’s hip measurements by up to two inches and their thigh measurements by one inch; and reduce thigh and hip measurements “without any effort.” The FTC’s complaint alleges that there is no truth or substantial scientific evidence behind the claims, which therefore violate the FTC Act.

The complaint against Wacoal America holds similar allegations, charging that the company’s iPants were falsely marketed to reduce body weight and reduce cellulite.

According to the National Institutes of Health, caffeine is a bitter substance found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, kola nuts and certain medications.