Two US senators have expressed concern over a weight loss ad by Hims & Hers, slated to run during the Super Bowl. The “Sick of the System” ad criticizes the $160 billion industry and claims its own products are affordable and doctor-trusted alternatives.
US Senators Dick Durbin and Roger Marshall have written to the FDA, warning that Hims & Hers’ ad risks misleading patients by omitting safety information about certain weight loss medications. The ad features visuals of existing medications like Ozempic but does not provide clear disclosures about side effects or risks.
Hims & Hers says it is complying with existing law and will continue working with lawmakers to address the health system. However, critics argue that the company is exploiting a loophole in promoting compounded drugs without adequate disclosure.
The ad’s claims are supported by Hims & Hers’ own product offerings, which sell semaglutide for under $200 a month – significantly cheaper than branded alternatives like Ozempic, which can cost around $1,000 per month. The FDA doesn’t review the safety and efficacy of compounded products, but lawmakers plan to introduce legislation to address regulatory loopholes.
The issue raises concerns about patient safety and the need for transparency in weight loss advertising. Hims & Hers’ Super Bowl ad has sparked a heated debate over the industry’s marketing practices and the role of regulators in protecting patients.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/07/hims-hers-faces-lawmaker-scrutiny-over-misleading-super-bowl-ad-.html