PRIVATE slimming clinics have been caught giving patients unlicensed and inappropriate drugs, inspectors say.
Some also failed to carry out age checks to ensure those treated were over 18, according to a Care Quality Commission report.
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The watchdog found 42 per cent of independent practices in England were not providing safe care on first inspection. And 24 per cent failed on regulations for effective care.
Patients at several clinics were given medicines not recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence or the Royal College of .Physicians.
Inspectors also found cases where appetite suppressants were given to patients with a BMI lower than that suggested and others with high blood pressure.
At one, a patient was given drugs without their GP being informed despite having a complex medical condition.
The study also found 48 per cent of independent consulting doctor services were not providing safe care. However, most improved on re-inspection.
Ursula Gallagher, from the CQC said: “Too often we saw poor prescribing practice.”
