A consumer advocate, Megan Thomas from Which?, has expressed doubts about the credibility of weight loss supplements’ claims, cautioning against blind trust. Thomas shared her research findings on food supplements and weight loss assertions on a recent podcast by the organization.
A study published in the British Medical Journal revealed that approximately 1.5 million individuals in the UK use weight loss injections. An Ipsos survey conducted for the Press Association found that 26% of 2,161 adults would only consider weight-loss jabs if prescribed by a doctor, while 16% might opt for them from a pharmacy, online or offline.
The survey also highlighted that 9% of respondents would purchase weight loss products from social media platforms, where unverified claims abound. Thomas criticized the unregulated nature of weight loss supplements’ claims on online platforms and in pharmacies.
Thomas pointed out the discrepancy between actual ingredients and advertised effects, emphasizing the need for specific, scientifically-backed claims. She highlighted misleading product claims, such as “burns fat in five seconds” and unwarranted assertions about ingredients like green tea as fat burners.
Sophie Medelin, a consultant dietician, echoed concerns about dubious weight loss supplement claims and injections mimicking GLP-1 medications. Medelin emphasized the lack of registered health claims for weight loss supplements and cautioned consumers to be vigilant against false assertions.
Additionally, Medelin noted the influx of supplement alternatives to GLP-1 treatments, urging scrutiny of any weight loss product claims. She advised reporting misleading advertisements to the Advertising Standards Authority for further action.
Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious advertisements to the Advertising Standards Authority through their website, irrespective of their affiliation. Detailed instructions for submitting complaints can be found on the ASA website.
For more information, the complete Which? podcast discussing weight loss injections and supplements is available on their website.