If you are hoping to lose that bulging weight through CoolSculpting, a much sought-after procedure promoted by many slimming clinics, think twice.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has cautioned consumers: do not fall for advertisements promising instant weight loss or permanent size reduction through CoolSculpting.
The warning comes after the CCPA imposed a ₹3 lakh penalty on VLCC Limited for publishing misleading advertisements about fat-loss and slimming treatments using the US-FDA-approved CoolSculpting machine. This follows similar action against Kaya Limited earlier this year for comparable violations.
Kaya’s advertisements promoted phrases such as “Non-surgical Fat Reduction” and “Easy inch loss with CoolSculpting,” along with before-and-after images showing major body-wide fat loss.
The CCPA found that these representations went far beyond the scope of US-FDA approval and falsely portrayed CoolSculpting as a weight-loss treatment. Kaya has since complied with the order and paid the penalty.
In VLCC’s case, a complaint and subsequent monitoring revealed that the company was making exaggerated claims of drastic weight loss and inch reduction in a single session, once again misrepresenting CoolSculpting as a permanent weight-loss solution. The advertisements were found to be misleading, violating the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The CCPA clarified that the CoolSculpting machine, manufactured by Zeltiq Aesthetics, is approved by the US-FDA only for the reduction of localized fat deposits — such as on the upper arms, bra fat, back fat, banana roll, submental area (under the chin), thighs, abdomen, and flanks. The procedure is not approved as a weight-loss treatment and is suitable only for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less.
Furthermore, clinical trials submitted for US-FDA approval involved only 57 participants from Caucasian, Hispanic, and African American backgrounds — with no Indian or Asian representation. The US-FDA has also not granted any specific endorsement for the use of CoolSculpting in India.
By omitting these critical facts, VLCC misled consumers and breached the provisions of the law. In addition to the ₹3 lakh fine, the CCPA has directed VLCC to adhere to strict guidelines for all future communications, including:
Clearly stating that CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss procedure but is used for focal fat deposit reduction;
Specifying that the treatment is only for individuals with BMI ≤ 30;
Identifying the specific body areas for which the procedure is approved;
Including disclaimers and disclosures in advertisements and consent forms, in a clear and readable manner;
Informing consumers of the absence of clinical testing on Indian demographics and the lack of US-FDA endorsement for India;
Eliminating unfair contract clauses that attempt to escape legal accountability for treatment claims.
The CCPA has also warned all beauty clinics, slimming centres, and wellness providers using CoolSculpting technology in India to strictly comply with these directions. Any further violations will lead to stringent action under the Consumer Protection Act, including additional penalties and legal proceedings, said an official from the top consumer rights body.
Consumers are advised to remain vigilant, question dramatic weight-loss promises, and seek evidence-based medical advice before opting for any body-contouring or slimming procedure.