Weight and slimming

Helpful information on the advertising rules for weight-loss and slimming products and examples of previous Advertising Standards Authority rulings in this area.

Ads for weight-loss and slimming products are allowed to sell us a dream or aspiration, but advertisers need to make sure their claims have a firm foundation in reality. Most of the complaints we receive about weight-loss and slimming products are related to the capability of the product, and this capability being exaggerated in the ad.

The advertising rules state any claim made for the effectiveness of a weight-loss or slimming method or product should be backed by rigorous practical trials conducted on people. Testimonials that are not supported by trials do not constitute adequate evidence.

Claims that specify a precise amount of weight-loss within a specific time period should be avoided. As should claims that state a weight-loss or slimming product can help you lose weight from a specific part of the body.

As well as making sure their ads are honest and don’t mislead consumers, advertisers marketing weight-loss or slimming methods or products should ensure their ads do not exploit vulnerable groups and are prepared with a degree of social responsibility. Ads shouldn’t be targeted at, or appeal to, consumers under-the-age of 18 or those for whom weight reduction is likely to result in a potentially harmful body weight. Ads should never suggest that it is desirable to be underweight.

Furthermore, it is important for advertisers to remember the amount of weight-loss that can be achieved by an individual depends on many factors. It is not the same for everyone and it cannot be guaranteed. This should always be reflected in ads for weight-loss and slimming products and that is why the advertising rules say you cannot state or imply that dieters can’t fail to lose weight when using your product, or that weight loss is permanent.

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Latest rulings

Hemios
- Upheld
- Social media (paid ad), Internet (display)
- 09 September 2026
A paid-for Facebook ad and a paid-for YouTube display ad for a magnetic bracelet made misleading claims in relation to weight-loss and improving erectile performance.
SheMed Ltd
- Upheld
- Social media (paid ad)
- 02 September 2026
A paid-for Reddit ad for a female-focused medical weight-loss service promoted weight-loss prescription-only medicines to the public, against the law and our rules, was likely to exploit consumers’ insecurities relating to body image and weight and was irresponsible.
The Monty Bojangles Co Ltd
- Not upheld
- Social media (paid ad)
- 02 September 2026
A paid-for Instagram ad for Monty Bojangles didn’t break the less healthy food rules because it was a small and medium-sized enterprise and was therefore exempt.
Bolt Healthcare Ltd t/a Bolt Pharmacy
- Upheld
- 29 July 2026
Two paid-for Facebook ads for an online pharmacy promoted weight loss prescription-only medicines to the public, against the law and our rules.

View all rulings

Weight and slimming

Helpful information on the advertising rules for weight-loss and slimming products and examples of previous Advertising Standards Authority rulings in this area.

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Relevant codes

12 Weight control and slimming

13 Weight control and slimming