VLCC Fined Rs 3 Lakh for Misleading CoolSculpting Advertisements
VLCC Ltd. has been penalized Rs 3 lakh by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for publishing misleading advertisements about fat-loss and slimming treatments using CoolSculpting machines. The company made exaggerated claims exceeding US-FDA approvals for the procedure. CCPA directed VLCC to clarify that CoolSculpting treats focal fat deposits, not overall weight loss, and to restrict claims to US-FDA approved uses only. The authority also noted the lack of Indian or Asian representation in US-FDA clinical trials for CoolSculpting. This action follows a similar case against Kaya Ltd., with CCPA warning all beauty clinics against violations.
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VLCC Ltd., a prominent beauty and wellness company, has been penalized by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for publishing misleading advertisements about its fat-loss and slimming treatments using CoolSculpting machines.
Penalty and Misleading Claims
The CCPA imposed a fine of Rs 3.00 lakh on VLCC for making exaggerated claims in their advertisements. Some of these claims included:
- "Lose up to 600g and 7 cm in 1 session"
- "Drop 1 Size in 1 session permanently"
These claims were found to exceed the actual US-FDA approval for the CoolSculpting procedure, leading to the penalty.
CoolSculpting: Approved Uses vs. Advertised Claims
The CoolSculpting machine is approved by the US-FDA for localized fat reduction in specific body areas for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less. However, it is not approved for guaranteed weight loss as advertised by VLCC.
CCPA Directives to VLCC
The CCPA has directed VLCC to:
- Clarify in advertisements and consent forms that CoolSculpting treats focal fat deposits, not overall weight loss.
- Restrict claims to US-FDA approved uses only.
Concerns Raised by CCPA
The authority highlighted that the US-FDA clinical trials for CoolSculpting included only 57 participants of Caucasian, Hispanic, and African American ethnicity. Notably, there was no Indian or Asian representation in these trials.
Previous Action and Warning
This action follows a similar case where the CCPA previously fined Kaya Ltd. Rs 3.00 lakh for misleading CoolSculpting advertisements. The authority has issued a stern warning to all beauty clinics using these machines, threatening stringent action for any violations.
Implications for Consumers and Industry
This penalty serves as a reminder for consumers to be cautious of exaggerated claims in beauty and wellness advertisements. It also highlights the beauty industry's responsibility to provide accurate and FDA-approved information about their treatments.
The CCPA's action against VLCC underscores the importance of truthful advertising in the beauty and wellness sector, especially for treatments involving specialized equipment like CoolSculpting machines.
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