**VLCC Fined ₹3 Lakh for Misleading CoolSculpting Ads**
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on VLCC Limited for misleading advertisements promoting fat-loss and slimming treatments using the US-FDA approved CoolSculpting procedure, as stated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. The issue came to light following a complaint and the monitoring of advertisements in the beauty sector.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that VLCC made exaggerated claims regarding significant weight loss and inch reduction achievable in just one session, which exceeded the actual approval granted for the CoolSculpting machine, thereby misleading consumers. The CCPA’s statement highlighted that VLCC’s advertisements portrayed CoolSculpting and related procedures as permanent solutions for weight loss and size reduction. Some of the misleading claims included phrases such as “Lose up to 600g and 7 cm in 1 session” and “Drop 1 Size in 1 session permanently.”
These advertisements misled consumers into believing that CoolSculpting guarantees substantial and permanent weight loss, while the procedure is only approved for targeted fat reduction in specific body areas and is intended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or below. The CCPA noted that the CoolSculpting machine, manufactured by Zeltiq Aesthetics, is approved solely for the reduction of localized fat bulges in areas like the upper arm, abdomen, and thighs, and is not a weight-loss treatment.
Furthermore, the clinical trials submitted to the US-FDA included only a limited number of participants, with no representation from Indian or Asian populations. The US-FDA has not provided any specific endorsement for the use of CoolSculpting in India.
The CCPA has issued a strong warning to beauty clinics, wellness centers, and service providers in India utilizing CoolSculpting machines, stressing the importance of adhering to its directives. Non-compliance may result in severe consequences under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, including financial penalties and legal action. This order reinforces the CCPA’s commitment to protecting consumers from deceptive advertising practices in the health, wellness, and beauty sectors, urging consumers to be cautious and skeptical of claims regarding instant weight loss or permanent size reduction through CoolSculpting.
**FAQ**
**What is CoolSculpting and is it a weight-loss treatment?**
CoolSculpting is a procedure approved for targeted fat reduction in specific areas of the body, not a weight-loss treatment. It is intended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or below and is not guaranteed to provide permanent weight loss.
