Amid the glitz and glamor of the Super Bowl, a controversial ad from telehealth company Hims & Hers has sparked a firestorm. Released on January 28, the commercial takes a jab at the weight loss industry, aiming to make a bold statement. However, the ad has stirred up more than just conversation—it has prompted Senators Dick Durbin and Roger Marshall to call for an FDA review. Concerns have been raised that the ad fails to provide crucial safety and side effect information about compounded weight loss drugs, potentially misleading viewers.
Senators Call for FDA Review
In a letter addressed to FDA acting Commissioner Sara Brenner, Senators Durbin and Marshall expressed their worries about the Hims ad. They raised concerns that the ad, set to air during the Super Bowl, could mislead patients by omitting important safety and side effect details about the compounded weight loss drugs being promoted. The Senators emphasized the need for the FDA to take action against marketing that may mislead patients about the products being endorsed. This could include issuing warning letters or imposing civil penalties to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical advertising regulations.
The crux of the issue lies in the marketing tactics employed by telehealth companies like Hims & Hers. These companies often offer compounded versions of popular GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy, promising weight loss benefits without adequately highlighting the potential risks. Serious side effects, including pancreatitis, gallbladder and kidney problems, changes in vision, and even thoughts of suicide, are often downplayed in favor of promoting the positive outcomes. This imbalance between benefits and risks has raised red flags among lawmakers and health experts alike.
Implications for the Telehealth Industry
The controversy surrounding the Hims Super Bowl ad brings to light broader concerns about the telehealth industry’s marketing practices. As more companies enter the telehealth space, offering convenient access to medications and treatments online, the need for transparent and accurate advertising becomes increasingly important. Balancing the promotion of health products with the disclosure of potential risks is a delicate dance that telehealth companies must navigate to maintain trust and credibility with consumers.
Health Tech Correspondent Mario Aguilar, who covers technology in healthcare, emphasizes the impact of tech advancements on the practice of medicine. From artificial intelligence and virtual reality to wearable devices and digital therapeutics, technology is reshaping the healthcare landscape. Aguilar’s insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities that arise as tech continues to transform the delivery of healthcare services. In collaboration with the STAT Health Tech newsletter, Aguilar offers readers a deeper understanding of the intersection between technology and healthcare.
As the debate over the Hims Super Bowl ad intensifies, the FDA’s response will be closely watched. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for how telehealth companies advertise their products in the future. By holding companies accountable for providing accurate and comprehensive information about their offerings, regulators aim to protect consumers from misleading marketing tactics. The ultimate goal is to ensure that patients have access to reliable and transparent information when making decisions about their health and well-being.
