California lawsuit accuses Optavia of deceptive enrollment into automatic renewal programs for its weight loss plans. Plaintiffs allege “dark patterns” mislead consumers and make cancellations difficult, seeking damages and an end to these practices.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | Zeller v. Optavia, LLC et al. | 3:22-cv-00434-DMS-MSB | U.S. District Court (California) | Automatic renewal claim: alleges “dark patterns” trick consumers into enrolling, cancellation obstacles, and unclear terms. Seeks damages and practice change. |
| July 2022 | Medifast (Optavia’s parent company) dismissed from case | N/A | U.S. District Court (California) | Medifast dismissed due to insufficient evidence of direct involvement in alleged deceptive practices. |
| October 2022 | Proposed settlement reached | N/A | U.S. District Court (California) | Proposed settlement offers compensation to eligible claimants who enrolled in Premier program without informed consent. |
| Present | Settlement awaiting final approval | N/A | U.S. District Court (California) | Final approval pending, with potential benefits for eligible consumers. |
Details and Concerns:
- “Dark Patterns”: Allegations of intentionally manipulative website design to mislead consumers into automatic renewal enrollment.
- Cancellation Roadblocks: Difficulty reaching customer service and unclear cancellation processes cited as obstacles.
- Transparency Issues: Claims of inadequate disclosure about automatic renewal terms and conditions.
Legal Action and Potential Outcomes:
- Class-Action Representation: Lawsuit seeks to represent all California Optavia customers enrolled without consent.
- Damages and Injunction: Plaintiffs aim for financial compensation and an order to stop the alleged deceptive practices.
- Precedent and Regulation: Successful lawsuit could set consumer protection standards and influence industry regulations.
Beyond the Lawsuit:
- Proposed Settlement: Potential compensation for eligible consumers enrolled through alleged deceptive tactics.
- Scrutiny and Awareness: Case raises concerns about “dark patterns” and consumer vulnerability in online transactions.
Uncertain Future:
- Settlement Approval: Final court decision on the proposed settlement is pending.
- Company Response: Optavia denies allegations and maintains clear disclosure and cancellation options.
Disclaimer: This information serves as a general overview and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance and assessment of your specific situation and legal options regarding Optavia’s automatic renewal programs.
