OMA | Obesity Management Association

Internet Risk

Spotlighting the danger of obtaining medications via the internet without proper medical supervision.

Before attempting to purchase prescription only medications via the internet it may be worth considering the following.

Do you know what you are buying?

Up to 50% of drugs seized are counterfeit and these may at best be harmless. How do you know that the internet site you are buying from is genuine?
Frequently, untested herbal preparations mascarade as controlled medicines by exploiting confusion over spellings. Are you looking for Phentarprine? or is it perhaps Phentirmen?
See for yourself the concern that many herbal 'medicines' are causing at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

10 reasons why you might think it preferable to attend an OMA registered clinic:

1. They are expected to comply with comprehensive regulatory standards from Goverment Inspector the Care Quality Commission.
2. Audit trails from licenced manufacturers of controlled medications used must be made available for inspection if required.
3. Medications used have been subjected to comprehensive trials that prove beyond doubt that they are effective.
4. Your health is checked properly by a registered Doctor who will ensure that you are suitable for treatment.
5. Registered clinics have a wealth of experience, mainstream medical knowledge and can provide moral support.
6. Attending for a regular appointment in itself provides encouragement to succeed.
7. Prices are often less than the internet.
8. There is always someone to speak to about any concerns you may have.
9. Medical interviews are private.

10...............It works!

Recent research by the European Alliance for Access to Safe Medicines (EAASM) found that

62% of medicines bought online are fake or substandard.
95.6% of online pharmacies checked are operating illegally.
94% of websites do not have a named, verifiable pharmacist.
90% of websites supply prescription-only medicines without a prescription.

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Information

Q & A

What is OMA?

OMA is a self- regulating, professional association for Doctors, weight management clinicians, private clinics and those engaged in the provision of weight management solutions.

To regulate and monitor best clinical practice in the Obesity Management Private Clinic sector

To provide Patients and Members of the Public with accurate information on obesity and the full range of treatments available

To actively engage in the education and research on the subject of obesity

To interact with Government, the Medicines Control Agency, the National Health Service, The European Union and others to meet the needs of patients

Work with other professional bodies that are active in the treatment of obesity

OMA is the ethical voice of the Obesity Management Private Clinic sector

How is OMA Managed?

OMA is managed by a board of trustees whose members represent Doctors, private clinic owners and members of the public.
In addition to the Management Board there are five other committees;

Ethics and Statutory
Membership
Finance
Education
Communication

The benefits to the public can be identified as follows;

OMA Members adhere to a published Code of Ethics to ensure best clinical practice
Access to information through the OMA website and Administration Office
Access to a list of locally registered OMA Members
A source of accurate and non-biased information
Ability to register complaints
Compliance with Care Quality Commission requirements

What patients should expect

All registered members of OMA agree to abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics which are based on the General Medical Council guidelines, which apply to every doctor practicing medicine in the United Kingdom
Regular consultations to ensure the health of the patient
Patient treatments, monitoring and prescriptions will be conducted by a qualified doctor.
It is recommended that patients give their consent to inform their GPS as to the treatment they receive. This cannot take place without patient approval.
For patient safety OMA recommends that the public should ensure doctors practicing within obesity management clinics are registered with the Association.

Complaints Procedure

Should a patient believe a member has failed to comply with the Associations’ Code of Ethics that patient has the ability to register a complaint, in writing, with the Executive Director who will in turn forward the complaint to the Chairman of The Ethics and Statutory Committee.
The complaint will be investigated by the Ethics and Statutory Committee and a report of the Committee’s findings and recommendations will be presented to the patient.

Where can I find an OMA Registered Doctor or Clinic?

A list of registered doctors and clinics in your area is available from the Associations offices and also here.
Each registered clinic must display the Associations registration certificate on its premises.