Julie's story? - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

rochelle · 03-07-2005, 10:00 AM

Hello All
Has anyone seen the commercials that say if you are trying to lose weight ask your doctor about Julie's story? The commercial doesn't say anything more

. Just wondering if anyone HAS asked their doctor, or if they know what this commercial is advertising? I tried searching on line but couldn't find anything helpful. Just curious more than anything. Thanks!

Katpo · 03-07-2005, 12:55 PM

I found this:

Quote:

According to the Globe and Mail (02/24/05) the "Julie's Story" ad campaign is being funded by Hoffman-LaRoche to promote sales of their pharmaceutical, Xenical (also known as Orlistat). Xenical is no magic pill that simply melts the pounds away for those of us wanting to lose a few, as the ads may suggest, but a prescription medication approved only for the treatment of obesity.

It came from this page:

http://www.straightgoods.ca/ViewConsForum5.cfm?REF=11

rochelle · 03-08-2005, 09:03 AM

Thanks Kathy,
I did come across something similar after doing a second, more thorough search. I actually tried xenical from Oct 03 to June 04. It did work in that it forced me to eat lower fat meals, but I guess that practice just didn't stick after I quit taking the meds. I started to eat more fat after a bit. I decided that I will not rely on an extremely expensive pill to help with weight loss this time and I'm doing just fine. Thanks again!

FrugalChick · 03-30-2005, 07:29 PM

You are doing great! Congratulations~

StraitLover · 04-05-2005, 04:28 PM

I think they do the ads that way to get around having to go through the "this drug has 100 side effects" spiel. If the name if the drug is not mentioned, then they don't have to give the disclaimers.

MrsJim · 04-05-2005, 05:14 PM

I haven't seen this ad campaign so I'd assume that it is limited to Canada...yes??

Somehow I doubt that the FDA would allow Roche to get away with doing this campaign in the States and NOT stating the contraindications/precautions. Even if the product name isn't mentioned, IMO it would still be considered advertising for that prescription drug.