Fat zappers 'may just be a fad after all' (re-issue)

Melbourne, Sep 13 (ANI): Those planning to undergo techniques to 'zap', 'dissolve' or 'melt' their flab may have to rethink, as these procedures are under scanner for the appropriateness of their claims.

Some companies are charging as much as 6000 dollar for 'fat-dissolving' injections, while others promise to 'liquefy' your flab.

Two Melbourne companies are being investigated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to determine whether their claims breach the law.

The medical regulator is scrutinising FatZap, which has centres across Melbourne and is charging up to 3000 dollar for a treatment that promises to 'zap' customers into shape.

They have claimed their 'state-of-the-art' machines can help reduce fat, cellulite, stretch marks and saggy skin by using 'radio frequency controlled volumetric heating of the skin', and an ultrasound beam that 'targets fat cells, bringing them to self resonance'.lso under investigation is Armadale company CDC Clinics, which offers laser treatment to 'melt' fat, using a method called laser lipolysis.

If the companies are found to be making medical claims, which are not backed by scientific evidence, they could be ordered to withdraw their advertisements.

A spokeswoman said the TGA is "concerned about alternative treatment providers making health claims that cannot be substantiated and that have the potential to mislead consumers".

The Victorian president of the Australian Medical Association, Harry Hemley, said tighter regulation of the industry was needed to protect the public.

"At best you may just be left out of pocket, but at worst the therapy could actually cause you harm," the Age quoted Hemley as saying.

CDC Clinics offers "Fat Dissolve", spruiked as a new way to banish cellulite and fat by injecting clients with "soy bean extract, vitamins and medicines" to break down fat cells permanently.

In an emailed statement, a spokesman said FatZap was not a weight-loss program but a method of "removing localised areas of fat".

The spokesman said studies in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy and numerous clinical trials confirmed the efficacy of their machines, which have been registered by the TGA. (ANI)