Ad perpetuates obesity stigma for patients in need of safe and effective medications

Rockville, Md. -- A Super Bowl advertisement by Hims & Hers, a consumer health and wellness platform, will mislead viewers by excluding any information about the overall risks and side effects of compounded drugs. The ad emphasizes the role of the food and health system in the obesity epidemic and fails to include any specific information about the potential risks and side effects of Hims’ drugs being marketed to consumers.

“The Obesity Society advocates for access to safe and effective obesity medications that have been proven to improve health outcomes and quality of life,” stated President Marc-Andre Cornier, MD, FTOS. “Compounded versions of obesity medications lack evidence for proven benefits and/or risks and lack the oversight and quality assurance required for FDA-approved drugs meaning that they may not have the expected safety or desired results.”

The advertisement also includes images that are inconsistent with the efforts by many organizations, including TOS, to reduce weight bias and stigma.

“Hims & Hers portrays obesity with images of large headless abdomens which does create a visceral negative response by the viewer, and they unfortunately cast a disparaging connotation for people living with obesity,” Dr. Cornier added.

TOS is dedicated to advancing obesity treatment and care encourages the use of person-first language and imagery that focuses on size acceptance. The Rudd Center for Health and TOS’ partner the Obesity Action Coalition offer free image galleries designed to foster positive images in the media.

Consumers are urged to speak with their medical doctor regarding obesity medications and to seek treatments that are safe and effective rather than those manufactured with unknown ingredients or compounded to mimic FDA-approved drugs.

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The Obesity Society (TOS) is the leading organization of scientists and health professionals devoted to understanding and reversing the epidemic of obesity and its adverse health, economic and societal effects. Combining the perspective of researchers, clinicians, policymakers and patients, TOS promotes innovative research, education and evidence-based clinical care to improve the health and well-being of all people with obesity. For more information, visit www.obesity.org.