Australian Idol weight-loss fears
WEIGHT loss drugs are being advertised during Australian Idol, sparking fears they may appeal to insecure teenagers.
Consumer watchdog Choice has demanded the advertisements for obesity drug Xenical be removed from the prime time Network Ten program.
Choice health policy officer Viola Korczak said Australian Idol was extremely popular with 13 to 17-year-olds.
"That is a concern for us because the safety of the drug for that age group has not been tested," Ms Korczak said.
"We have anecdotal evidence that girls as young as 13, within a healthy weight range, have been going into pharmacies asking for the drug."
She said advertisements were even more worrying when combined with the "culture" of Australian Idol.
"The judges on Australian Idol criticise female contestants about their weight, the most recent example being when Kyle Sandilands told Jessica Mauboy to lose her 'jelly belly'," Ms Korczak said.
A spokeswoman for Network Ten said Xenical was not an Australian Idol sponsor, and no further Xenical advertisements were booked for the program.
She said commercials for over-the-counter medicine were approved by Commercials Advice Limited and the Australian Self-Medication Industry, and complied with the Therapeutic Goods Act, Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code and relevant regulations.
Choice has lodged a complaint with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.
Ms Korczak said the drug's side effects included anal leakage and reduced control of bowel movements. A healthy diet and exercise were the safest and most effective way to lose weight.
Weight Loss in Australia
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