The recent FDA "approval" of the Zerona laser says it is safe (i.e., does no harm) and, based on the data submitted by the manufacturer, may be advertised as yielding "measureable reductions in body contour." Sounds good, doesn't it? But one should know that the FDA approves medical devices with far less scrutiny than applied to approving drugs.

For new drugs, the manufacturer has to carry out extensive, double-blind, clinical trials, and the results are reviewed by a panel of experts that gives its recommendation to the FDA. The FDA makes the final decision on approving or disapproving the drug.

On the other hand, for medical devices there is no panel of experts appointed to scrutinize the results. An FDA expert examines the evidence submitted by the manufacturer and either approves or denies approval.

In my opinion, the Zerona laser will not lead to "measurable reductions in body contour" unless one diets and does exercise.