Celebrity television host Dr. Mehmet Oz testified before Congress Tuesday to help “drain the swamp” of marketers using his name to peddle weight-loss pills.
Senate Chairman Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., scolded Oz for claims he made about weight-loss supplements from the Pure Green Coffee Company on his show, The Dr. Oz Show.
“I am concerned that you are melding medical advice, news and entertainment in a way that harms consumers,” McCaskill said.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., asked Oz if he would be willing to publish a list of brands he feels work, as opposed to suggesting that a general supplement may work for weight loss.
“I’ve been actively looking at that,” Oz replied. “With your suggestion and support, I think I’m going to do it, and I think it’ll do a lot to drain the swamp that we’ve created around this area.”
Americans spend $40 billion a year on weight-loss products. Lawmakers are concerned that the “Dr. Oz” effect is misleading to consumers.
Oz acknowledged that while his language has been “flowery,” he has never endorsed a specific company or brand.
“I don’t sell anything. If they see my name, my picture or any part of the show involved in an advertisement—do not buy the product,” he said.
Meanwhile, top public health officials are calling on state and federal government officials to recognize obesity as a disease.
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson is urging Congress to pass legislation that would require Medicare to cover obesity medicine for seniors.
