Nutrix, Ltd., the maker of dietary supplements, has recently launched a new marketing campaign for Slender, an herbal supplement to increase weight loss. According to the product marketing materials, in an experiment conducted by Nutrix people using Slender lost 5 percent more weight than those using a placebo. In addition, people using Slender reported none of the side effects, such as increased heart rate, commonly reported as being associated with other weight loss products. As the product has gained popularity, critics have begun to attack the company’s claims, arguing that Nutrix’s research is not comprehensive enough, because it fails to measure the longterm effects of Slender. In fact, according to critics, most people who use the product report they are unable to maintain the weight loss after they quit taking Slender. Many also report experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as migraine headaches. Nutrix stands by its research, which shows the product is a safe weight loss alternative, arguing that, since patents are not available on herbal supplements, the company cannot afford expensive, long-term studies. What do you think?

Is the short-term measurement of effects adequate? Or should Nutrix be required to conduct long-term experiments before making these claims for current or new products?