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Slimming ads stopped after OFT action

22 June 2006    101/06

A Lebanese company has given an assurance to the OFT that it will no longer market the Lipo-Slim product in the UK using a mailing which has attracted a number of consumer complaints.

The mailing claimed that the Lipo-Slim Liposuction pad would allow people to lose weight during their sleep, by applying the pads to the soles of their feet. The pads were said to suck out excess fat through a natural 'trap door' in the skin in the same way that trees suck water up through their roots. It also stated that no dieting or exercise was required, yet consumers were guaranteed to lose six pounds in weight each week and up to a maximum of 99 pounds in four months.

The marketer claimed that the product had been developed following 26 years of research and was medically approved following the participation of thousands of trial users. Consumer testimonials detailing how women lost up to 112 pounds in less than five months were also included in the mailing.

Further claims were made that 'your weight loss is doubled' if the 'Herbal Elderberry Slim-Plus capsules' were also purchased. For best results, the marketer recommended a six week supply of Lipo-Slim, which cost up to £44.95. The OFT believed that over 30,000 consumers responded to this mailing.

After receiving complaints the OFT contacted Post Shop, the Lebanese company behind the advertisements, expressing its concerns over the potentially misleading content of the mailings. Post Shop responded by providing an assurance to the OFT that it had ceased marketing the product using the mailing in the UK.

Christine Wade, OFT Director of Consumer Regulation Enforcement said:

'This mailing appeared to offer an easy way to lose weight and made promises which were not substantiated. Consumers should always be wary of miracle claims that they can lose weight without the need to diet or exercise.'

Consumers who suspect they may have received a misleading mailing should call Consumer Direct for clear, practical consumer advice on 08454 04 05 06.

NOTES

1. Last year the OFT launched the 'Scambusters' team to deliver the OFT's strategy of enforcement, consumer education and cooperation with public and private sector bodies (see press release 175/05).

2. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It offers consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.

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