CCPA Slaps ₹3 Lakh Fine on VLCC for Misleading CoolSculpting Ads; Orders Strict Disclosures in Future
Such cases highlight a growing trend of exaggerated weight-loss claims in India’s slimming and beauty industry
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹3 lakh on VLCC Limited for publishing misleading advertisements on fat-loss treatments through the US-FDA approved CoolSculpting procedure. The ads exaggerated claims of drastic weight and inch loss, including promises like “Drop 1 Size in 1 Session Permanently” and “Lose up to 600g and 7 cm in 1 session,” going far beyond the actual US-FDA approval, which is limited to localized fat reduction in specific body areas for individuals with a BMI of 30 or less.
Earlier, CCPA had also fined Kaya Limited ₹3 lakh for similar misleading ads. Both cases highlight a growing trend of exaggerated weight-loss claims in India’s slimming and beauty industry.
Apart from the fine, CCPA has directed VLCC to:
- Prominently disclose that CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment.
- Restrict claims strictly to US-FDA approved parameters.
- Inform consumers about the absence of testing on Indian demographics.
- Remove unfair disclaimers escaping legal accountability.
The authority has also warned all beauty clinics and wellness centers using CoolSculpting in India to strictly comply with these guidelines, failing which stringent action will follow.
