An Auckland man and his company have been ordered to refund $175,000 after falsely claiming a tablet could "melt away" fat and cellulite. However, the refunds, which could benefit thousands of customers who bought Celluslim tablets, are on hold pending an appeal.

From 2002, Dennis Johnson O'Neill marketed Celluslim tablets through Martini Ltd, as a product that would get rid of fat and cellulite in just three weeks without dieting or exercise. Customers paid $168.80 for an eight-week supply of the tablets, but an Auckland District Court judge said anyone who bought them was wasting money. In his sentencing, Judge David Wilson, QC, said: "The only evidence is that Celluslim could not reduce cellulite fat and weight and moreover made some customers feel unwell."

Find more about the Celluslim diet pill scam at http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3473382a11,00.html.