E Ontario Now

Toronto – On December 22, 2008, news broke about a California cosmetic surgeon who converted human fat from liposuctions into free fuel that he called “lipo-diesel”) for his SUV and his girlfriend’s car. Dr. Carl Allen Bittner of Beverly Hills Liposculpture, may have continued until state authorities got word of what was posted on his website, www.lipodiesel.com. Liposuctioned fat is considered medical waste. Under California law, medical waste cannot be used for anything and must be properly disposed of, instead.

Innovative Or Impossible?

Arguments range in environmental and alternative energy groups as to whether Dr. Bittner was being innovative or being irresponsible. Although Dr. Bittner claims that his patients gave their consent to using their unwanted fat for lipo-diesel, some think this could start a disturbing trend, similar to selling body parts from corpses. Instead of looking to help patients, would doctors instead be looking to fill up their tanks for the weekend.

But some, like at Wired.com, doubt that the doctor had enough technical know-how in order to refine an effective vehicle fuel.

Paging Dr. Bitner

There is currently a lawsuit against Dr. Bittner from three of his former patients who claim that the doctor inform them of his intentions to fuel his SUV with their fat.

Dr. Bittner was not available for comment since he has been missing since November during a trip to Columbia, although his website claims he moved to Bogata. Beverly Hills Liposculpture and his website have since been closed.