Forum tackles advertising of weight loss products

Following the FTC's recent report on false claims made by weight loss products, the Strategic Research Institute in New York is holding a forum for weight loss marketers to learn about the latest findings, investigations, guidelines and policies relating to weight loss marketing and advertising claims.

The Weight Loss & Obesity Marketing and Risk Education forum, to take place on 9 - 10 December in Washington D.C, is targeting senior executives in marketing, regulatory affairs, nutrition and product development of dietary supplements and meal replacement and functional food firms. There will also be participants from weight loss centres and others involved in beating the battle of the bulge in America.

Richard Cleland of the Federal Trade Commission will discuss the findings of the recent FTC report and Dr Lawrence J. Cheskin of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will also talk about some of the latest studies on the efficacy of weight loss products and public health initiatives for managing obesity in the 21st century.

Other highlights of the meeting include a discussion on Ephedra and the many public relations and regulatory hurdles involved in using the ingredient in formulations.

A panel of experts from the Food Marketing Institute, International Food Information Council and HealthExpo will discuss ways to tap into grassroots and urban retail centres to promote education and awareness on weight management.

Other speakers include Gail Montgomery of Nutrition 21, offering insights on chromium and diabetes, Roche, eDiets.com and Next Pharmaceuticals. Dr Dirk Schroeder of DrTango will discuss exciting new ways in which marketers can tap into the Latino consumer base online and offline to disseminate health education on weight loss.

The meeting will be co-chaired by Prevention Magazine's senior fitness and weight loss editor, Michele Stanten.