Summary
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned ads by MedExpress, SkinnyJab, and CheqUp for promoting weight-loss injections to new mothers. These ads exploited body image insecurities and promoted prescription-only drugs, which is illegal. The companies have removed the ads and pledged to improve their advertising practices.
Key Facts
- The ASA banned ads that targeted new mothers with weight-loss injections.
- MedExpress's ad suggested women should lose weight soon after childbirth, which the ASA called harmful.
- It is illegal to advertise prescription-only weight-loss drugs directly to the public.
- All three companies involved have removed their ads following the ban.
- The weight-loss jab market is very popular, worth billions globally.
- MedExpress and other companies agreed to enhance oversight of their advertising methods.
- Weight-loss injections were originally developed for diabetes control but are now also used for cosmetic weight loss.
