New Delhi, May 14 -- A court in Rome has sentenced Adriano Panzironi to 2 years and 8 months in jail. The "Diet Guru" was penalised for practising medicine without a licence. His brother Roberto was also given 1 year and 4 months for helping him. Panzironi is also a journalist, now suspended from the profession.

Adriano gave medical advice on TV and through Facebook, prosecutors said. He told people what to eat and which supplements to take. He even sold those supplements online.

These supplements were said to be possibly harmful if taken without a doctor's advice. He also promoted his book, Vivere 120 Anni (Living 120 Years), as part of his programme.

Many medical groups from cities like Rome, Venice, Naples and Milan took part in the...