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The Â鶹´«Ã½ Trade Commission has given final approval to a consent agreement with European Body Concepts, Inc., and James Marino, its president, settling charges that weight-loss and inch-loss claims for their body wrap system were false and unsubstantiated, and that claims that the body wrap procedure is safe for everyone were deceptive. The Commission's action makes the consent order provisions binding on the respondents.

The final order would prohibit the claims in the future and require that prominent safety warnings be given to customers.

The consent agreement was announced for a public-comment period on March 29. The Commission vote to issue it in final form occurred on June 23, and was 4-0, with Chairman Robert Pitofsky not participating.

NOTE: A consent agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute admission of a law violation. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000.

A news release summarizing the complaint and consent agreement was issued at the time the Commission accepted the consent agreement for public comment. Copies of that release and of the complaint and final order are available from the FTC's Public Reference Branch, Room 130, 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-326- 2222; TTY for the hearing impaired 1-866-653-4261. To find out the latest FTC news as it is announced, call the FTC's NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710. FTC news releases and other materials also are available on the Internet at the FTC's World Wide Web Site at: http://www.ftc.gov

(FTC File No. 932 3321)

(Docket No. C-3590)