Obesity drug

Posted by Lori Henry Oct 7, 2006

Xenical is a weight loss drug that prevents the body from absorbing fat. During the prime-time TV slots, it’s being advertised to the consternation of many, including the Australian Medical Association. They say the commercial is misleading and will encourage young women to take the drug if they are concerned about their weight, even if they are not obese.

The tagline is: “One of the reasons you put on weight is that your body is very good at absorbing fat. Now there is Xenical.”

Because the second largest audience for the show is the 13-17 year old age group, consumer watchdog Choice is outraged at the company behind the commercial. The safety of the drug hasn’t been tested yet and it’s not recommended for people under the age of 18, which isn’t mentioned in the ad.