As reported in Yahoo News, The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has taken enforcement action against a number of weight-loss injection providers
This comes after providers were found to be breaching strict rules around the promotion of prescription-only medicines (POMs) to the public. In nine separate rulings, including one involving a campaign fronted by reality TV personality Gemma Collins, the ASA reaffirmed that all injectable weight-loss medications – such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda – are prescription-only and must not be advertised directly to consumers.
The crackdown follows a wave of online and social media promotions targeting the public, often by private providers or influencers, in clear breach of UK advertising regulations. The ASA had previously issued a warning in December, but a review in January still uncovered nearly 1,800 unique paid-for weight-loss ads likely promoting POMs. To reinforce compliance, the ASA has now issued a joint Enforcement Notice alongside the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The notice makes it clear that promoting named weight-loss medications, regardless of platform, is prohibited unless directed at healthcare professionals.
Healthcare professionals are reminded to report any unlawful advertising they encounter and continue to uphold best practices in the responsible prescribing and communication of POMs.
