MARIN COUNTY, Calif. —
A device that harnesses the power of microwaves to melt away fat is being touted by some weight-loss businesses as a breakthrough, but the product has some critics calling it dangerous.
For many Americans, the battle of the bulge is a lifelong pursuit and any weight loss procedure is worthy of consideration. But a machine called the Lipotron should remind viewers of an old adage: "Buyer beware."
The Altschuler Center for Weight Loss in Novato advertises the Lipotron as a device that "eliminates body fat."
29-year-old caterer Megan Buser told KTVU she wanted to lose some inches.
She has had nine of the ten planned treatments and credits the Lipotron to her "losing several inches off my waist."
Each 45-minute treatment with the Lipotron costs $210.
32-year-old Zoe Alexander said the treatment felt warm as a technician moved a hand piece over her belly. Promoters of the device say the machine's microwaves heat fat cells deep under the skin.
"The fat is released from the fat cells and through the course of a week the body starts to eliminate them through the vascular channels and the lymph system," explained weight-loss specialist Dr. Gail Altschuler.
"I’ve been told by the technician and the people doing this that it’s safe and effective," said Alexander.
But not according to the FDA. KTVU learned that the device manufacturer began trying to get FDA approval five years ago.
"The FDA denied clearance and said they needed to respond to more questions and present more data," said Dr. Michael Carome of watchdog organization Public Citizen Health Research Group.
The group filed federal complaints two months ago against California Lipotron manufacturer Revecomed and their distributors as well as a state complaint against Dr. Altschuler.
"They may not market this device because it does not have approval or clearance from the FDA," said Dr. Carome.
Revecomed's attorney said there is a federal investigation, but insisted the company is doing nothing illegal.
Revecomed registered Lipotron last year as an "electric therapeutic massager." Critics argue that misinformation is helping the company skirt the law dangerously. "This device has caused burns and electric shocks to patients," said Dr. Carome.
However, California's Department of Health said they have had no complaints about the device.
Lipotron's distributor promises big profits for doctors using it, but a few weeks ago, after a warning, reportedly stopped making direct claims about whether the $85,000 machine reduces fat.
The Altschuler Center's advertising continues to make medical claims about the Lipotron in apparent violation of federal law.
Public Citizen said for two and a half years, Lipotron has preyed on gullible people encouraged to pay thousands of dollars for a procedure not proven safe or effective.
"The device remains on the market and it's just inexplicable to us that the FDA has failed to act despite that knowledge," said Dr. Carome.
The FDA makes no comment on any ongoing investigation. The California Medical Board said it's investigations are also confidential.
Activists tell those looking for a quick weight-loss solution to remember another old adage: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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