Be aware of the general rules on testimonials and endorsements
There are rules in the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code that relate to the use of testimonials in all marketing communications, including those for weight control products and services.
The rules indicate that testimonials should only be used in marketing communications if they are relevant, demonstrably genuine and used with permission. See CAP Advice on Testimonials and endorsements.
Additionally, factual claims in testimonials, including those for weight control products and services, must not mislead. See CAP Advice on Factual claims in testimonials and endorsements
Remember that customer testimonials are not evidence of efficacy
The Weight Control section of the Code specifically refers to testimonials and states that testimonials that are not supported by trials do not constitute substantiation. Marketers must therefore hold scientific evidence that proves the general efficacy of their product (Lamphall Ltd, 11 December 2013, Miruji Health & Wellbeing, 2 May 2012, Pure Slim Ltd, 20 May 2009).
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) investigated an ad which stated, “I’ve cut my insulin from 40 units to 12 units and I am hoping to be insulin free by the end of next month” and “I used to suffer from regular tension headaches … these have disappeared”. The ASA was not provided with convincing evidence to substantiate those claims. It also considered the implied claims to treat diabetes would discourage essential medical treatment because the treatment was not carried under the supervision of a suitably qualified health professional (Zoë Harcombe, 3 December 2014)
Take care with references to rates or amount of weight loss
Marketers should avoid including testimonials which either state or imply that other users of the service could potentially lose a precise amount of weight within a stated period of time. It is worth noting that, if proven with documentary, and in line with good nutritional practice, marketers are likely to be able to include testimonials which claim that specific individuals have previously lost exact amounts of weight in a given period.
CAP understands that in line with Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) advice, the acceptable safe weight-loss limit for those who are overweight is 2lbs a week. Claims of a higher rate of weight loss for those who are overweight will typically be considered problematic. A claim like “I lost 18 kilos in 4 weeks…I never dreamt that losing weight could be so easy. I thought I had tried just about every programme under the sun and then I ended up losing weight without lifting a finger…All I had to do was take some pills” is unacceptable because this is not compatible with good medical and nutritional practice and implies the subject has lost weight without changes in food intake.
Conversely, “I lost 8lbs in six weeks on the recommended diet plan!” is an acceptable claim, provided the general efficacy of the programme has been substantiated, the marketer holds signed and dated proof that the testimonial is genuine and has the subject’s permission to use it.
CAP and the ASA regard the use of before and after photos in the same way as testimonials. Marketers should therefore ensure that they meet the requirements of advertising rules in the CAP Code. They should hold signed and dated proof that the photos are genuine and have not been manipulated (EF Medispa, 20 February 2013, Windsor Group, 17 March 2004).
Be mindful of testimonials about obesity
Obesity in adults is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m2. Obesity is frequently associated with a medical condition and ad rules state that marketers should not offer specific advice on, diagnosis of or treatment for it unless it is conducted under the supervision of a medical doctor or other suitably qualified health professional. (Miruji Health & Wellbeing, 2 May 2012). See on Weight control: Obesity.
Be aware of additional rules on foods and food supplements
Marketers promoting a food (including soft drinks) or food supplements should take the Food Rules into account and note that weight loss and other claims of this nature, which directly result in an effect on one’s health, are considered to be health claims. A health claim for a food should not be made unless that claim is compatible with an authorised claim listed on the GB (NHC) Register of nutrition and health claims. See Weight control: Food and Food Supplements.
Even if a marketer holds signed and dated proof to show that before and after photos are genuine, the visual claims implied by the photos may render them problematic if they are seen to go beyond the meaning of an authorised claim on the relevant register (ketonepremium.com, 10 July 2013).
Finally, claims of a rate or amount of weight loss are prohibited for foods and food supplements.
Source: CAP
Note: This advice is given by the CAP Executive about non-broadcast advertising. It does not constitute legal advice. It does not bind CAP, CAP advisory panels or the ASA. CAP’s AdviceOnline entries provide guidance on interpreting the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing.
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