On May 13, 2025, the Court of Rome sentenced an Italian entrepreneur to two years and eight months in prison for the unlawful practice of the medical profession.
The entrepreneur provided advice on dietary regimens, nutrition programs, and methods that can be scientifically classified as “diets,” as well as on dietary supplements which, according to the public prosecutor’s investigation, could be harmful to health if taken without medical supervision. He also offered personalized diet plans through call center operators and direct communication with individual users via Facebook.

The proceedings were initiated by the President of the Rome Medical Association, who had reported the entrepreneur in 2018 for unlawfully practicing medicine.
The entrepreneur’s brother was also convicted as an accomplice and sentenced to one year and four months in prison for handling the printing and dissemination of pseudoscientific publications.

Both defendants were also ordered to compensate the civil parties involved and to pay an immediately enforceable provisional amount of €20,000 to the Rome Medical Association (OMCeO Roma).