Something to chew on: most of the 1000-plus weight loss products on the market are scams, leading health experts warn. Source: Supplied
DODGY diet clinics are using aggressive tactics and bizarre advice to heavy customers into signing up, according to claims by consumer watchdog Choice.
Some operators in the ballooning $792 million industry seem so desperate to fatten profits they risk compromising people's health, according to medical experts.
Choice's team of three shopping sleuths each visited four Sydney sites and reported back on consultants from Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and two other companies to test the claims.
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General practitioner Sam Hay blasted one clinic, which sold a rapid fat-loss program and told a woman "not to bother with exercise" and used the term "obesity syndrome", as bordering on "irresponsible".
Another clinic gave advice that alarmed Dr Hay, and in one case may have misdiagnosed thyroid and adrenal problems.
A Weight Watchers Lifestyle centre's "hard sell" allegedly failed to check medication or medical problems and lacked exercise emphasis.
However, Jenny Craig fared well in addressing health concerns and clearly outlining costs.
"While our experts didn't agree with all the advice given by Jenny Craig, they were impressed by the clarity of information, the care taken to find out the person's medical history and the absence of aggressive sales tactics," Choice spokeswoman Ingrid Just said.
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Choice condemns expanding diet industry
