Weight loss centres cop a pounding from consumer group

Patients could face medical risks if they received improper pills, a survey revealed yesterday.

The survey, conducted by Foundation for Consumers, reported on services at 16 weight loss clinics in nine provinces. The findings were presented at a press conference held by the foundation.

The study showed that most physicians at weight loss clinics prescribed diet pills to patients even when they were of normal weight.

Most doctor prescribed phentermine, an appetite suppressant to held reduce weight and control appetite, and fenfluramine, which gives a feeling of fullness and loss of appetite.

They also prescribed lipid lowering drugs and laxatives.

Some clinics also asked patients to receive injections instead suggesting they do more exercise or control nutrient intake. Some clinics did not ask patients if they were sensitive to particular drugs.

Patients had to pay at least Bt190 up to Bt1,120 to receive service at weight loss clinics. They were not informed about drugs that doctors prescribed for them.

Physicians spent only five to 10 minutes with patients, while clinic staff - not doctors - gave suggestions such as ways to use drugs and lose weight.

As well as consultations for weight loss, clinic staff also offered beauty service to patients at a cheap price.

"Most patients were not informed in enough detail about the use of drugs. They even didn't know the name of drugs or the drug mechanism, such as side-effects on high blood pressure and mental symptoms [caused by the drugs]," the foundation's secretary general Saree Ongsomwang said.

"Even you are not overweight, you will receive a lot of pills to lose weight from these clinics," she said.

"Most of the drug [given to patients] have adverse side-effects and more teenage girls are dying from using diet pills," she said.

A 57-year old Samut Sakhon woman, Renu Phu-Aworn, who has a normal weight level but wanted to reduce her body mass, said staff at a weight loss clinic persuaded her to buy a body shaped suit, which cost Bt 2,000 instead of suggesting how to use diet pills. Clinic staff also told her to have injections, as that was the "fastest way to lose weight".

Saree said the foundation had sent some of drugs for testing at the Medical Science Centre in Ubon Ratchathani. The results would be released next month then submitted to the Department of Health Service Support's Medical Registration Division. Police would also be notified.

Saree also opposed the Office of the Council of State issuing a health ministry regulation under the Product Liability Act to exempt the liability of physicians who provide diet pills such as phentermine and can cause adverse side-effect in patients. The bill took effect on Feb 20.

She said that phentermine was widely used by weight loss clinics across the country and could harm patients.