http://news.yahoo.com/fda-retailers...-222104085.html

If you purchased caffeine-infused underwear because of promises it will make you thinner, federal regulators say you were hoodwinked — but at least you can get your money back.

The Federal Trade Commission announced Monday that two companies — Norm Thompson Outfitters of Oregon and Wacoal America Inc. of New Jersey — have agreed to refund $1.5 million to consumers who purchased "shapewear" that supposedly can reduce cellulite and fat because it is infused with caffeine, vitamin E and other things.

"Caffeine-infused shapewear is the latest 'weight-loss brew' concocted by marketers," Jessica Rich, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement. "If someone says you can lose weight by wearing the clothes they are selling, steer clear."

Neither company could be reached for comment.

Norm Thompson, based in Hillsboro, Oregon, sold women's bike shorts, tights and leggings made of a fabric called Lytess for $49 to $79, according to the FTC's complaint. The company claimed a woman could take 2 inches off the hips and an inch off the thighs in less than a month "without effort."

"No diets or pills. Lose inches just by wearing these cellulite-slimming Lytess leggings," the company said in an online catalog, according to the FTC. "The unique fabric is infused with caffeine to metabolize fat."

The claims are not backed up by scientific tests, the FTC said. The company also falsely claimed that the garments were backed by television personality Dr. Oz.

The FTC says Wacoal, based in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, made similar claims about its iPants underwear for women, which sold for $44 to $85.

In negotiated settlements, Norm Thompson agreed to pay $230,000 and Wacoal America $1.3 million, which the FTC says it will use to provide refunds for consumers. The companies also will be prohibited from claiming that their caffeinated garments cause weight or fat loss, or a reduction of body size.

The Federal Trade Commission is accepting public comment on the proposed settlement until Oct. 29. After that, the commission will decide whether to make the proposed settlements permanent.

April fools in October, right?

Could you imagine if there were no regulatory agencies like the FTC established?

The saying "A fool and his money are easily separated" has never been more true in today's world.

Wait. I can no longer buy caffeine-infused undies?? That's what I call unconscionable government interference in my private life!

Maybe they'll jazz up your sex life?

But once you take them off, you'd become drowsy & uninterested in proceeding.

BTW, your avatar creeps me out.

Norm Thompson used to be a really good store. Too bad they're getting into woo. When I used to shop there they had an unlimited life-time guarantee on many products. When my old shoes suddenly fell apart, they gave me the total old price off a new pair. So I think I paid about $10 for an excellent pair of shoes.

But really, who would believe that coffee in the fabric would help you lose weight? Is there any limit to gullibility?