A Super Bowl ad about weight loss drugs takes on America's 'broken' health care system. Health experts and 2 senators aren't happy about it.
On Sunday, Hims & Hers Health is set to have a commercial air during Super Bowl LIX. It's already courting controversy, with calls to bar the game's host, Fox, from broadcasting it. Why? Experts, advocates and politicians are saying that the 60-second spot — which deems obesity 'America's deadliest epidemic,' criticizes the $160 billion weight loss industry and calls the health care system 'broken,' all while offering the brand's own 'affordable, doctor-trusted' compounded semaglutide as a solution — is 'misleading' and 'disparaging.' The company, however, disputes the claims.
In response to complaints made publicly by the Partnership for Safe Medicines and the Obesity Society (TOS), Hims & Hers provided Yahoo Life with the following statement:
This is a clear attempt by industry groups to cancel an advertisement that directly calls out how they are part of a system that fails to prioritize the health of Americans. The system is broken, and this is just another example of how they don't want Americans to know they have options. We're calling for change, which means putting the health of Americans first through affordable and available care.
The Super Bowl commercial makes the target of their messaging clear by featuring images of injection pens meant to represent brand-name weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, a direct reference to the high prices of those drugs with Childish Gambino's 'This is America' as the soundtrack. There's also a brand link on YouTube, where the commercial debuted at the end of January, that brings viewers to a webpage that states, 'Big Pharma doesn't want you to see this' at the top.
Hims & Hers believes that is where the controversy lies. 'We called on the industry and said that they need to change — and their reaction is trying to shut this ad down,' says a representative for the company. 'To us, it's clear that it's not about the ad — it's about the message.'
The complaints filed by health care groups and lawmakers, however, are primarily focused on calling out the advertising standards that they believe should apply to prescription medications, including this one.
In a letter to Dr. Catherine Gray, the director of the office of prescription drug promotion at the Food and Drug Administration, the executive director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines points out that Hims & Hers directly references the 'life-changing weight loss medications' that it offers without clarifying that it is a compounded semaglutide and, therefore, isn't FDA-approved. 'The disclaimer appears only briefly in tiny gray font at the bottom of the screen that is nearly imperceptible to an average viewer, without any accompanying audio disclosure,' the letter reads.
Also, the ad lacks any mention of possible side effects of the medication despite the FDA's warning that compounded drugs 'can be risky for patients' as a result of not undergoing the administration's safety, effectiveness and quality reviews. This was also mentioned in another letter written by The Partnership for Safe Medicines to executives at Fox demanding that the ad 'be withdrawn to protect public safety.'
'We adhere to all applicable laws and regulations regarding advertising,' says Hims & Hers. Compounded medications are subject to a separate set of standards than those that are FDA-approved. Another letter addressed to Dr. Sarah Brenner, acting commissioner of the FDA, written by senators Richard Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, and Roger Marshall, Republican of Kansas, on Friday calls this 'a regulatory loophole' that needs fixing.
'We plan to soon introduce bipartisan legislation to close this gap, so that patients are not deceived by advertisements that glaringly omit critical safety and side effect information,' the letter reads. 'But we believe FDA may already have the authority to take enforcement action against marketing that may mislead patients about this company's products.'
The FDA tells Yahoo Life that it is aware of the complaints. In the meantime, the Obesity Society urges consumers 'to speak with their medical doctor regarding obesity medications,' according to a press release.
The organization made additional comments about the content of the ad, claiming that the imagery reinforces harmful weight stigma and bias. '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,' says Dr. Marc-Andrew Cornier, the organization's president.
As of Friday evening, Fox still plans to air the Hims & Hers commercial on Sunday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Nearly 11 million Americans would lose insurance under Trump's tax bill, analysis says
About 10.9 million Americans would lose health insurance coverage under the President Donald Trump's tax cut bill that cleared the House but faces a tough test in the Senate, a new analysis shows. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said about 10.9 million Americans would lose health insurance coverage through 2034 under the bill, including 1.4 million undocumented residents who get coverage through state-funded programs. The legislation that cleared the House would require nondisabled Americans on Medicaid to work at least 80 hours per month or qualify for an exemption, such as being a student or caregiver. The bill also would strip coverage to immigrants who get Medicaid through state-funded programs. The analysis said the bill would cut federal spending by about $1.3 trillion through 2034. But it would also deliver tax cuts of $3.75 trillion, and the federal deficit would increase nearly $2.4 trillion over the next decade. Health analysts said if the Medicaid changes as well as tweaks to the Affordable Care Act marketplace clear Congress, the effects on health insurance coverage would be significant. The CBO earlier estimated nearly 4 million people would lose health insurance coverage through 2034 if Congress did not extend sweetened COVID-19 pandemic-era tax credits that have made ACA plans more affordable for consumers. Trump's Medicaid overhaul as well as the expiration of the more generous ACA tax credit could jeopardize health insurance coverage for nearly 15 million people, said Kathy Hempstead, a senior policy officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "We're making a giant U-turn here," said Hempstead. "Are we really going to be a thriving, productive society if we have a huge share of our population uninsured?" Hempstead said the uninsured might delay care and accrue more medical debt. She also said hospitals and doctors also will take a financial hit as uncompensated care rises. "There's going to be a big hit on on the health care economy as people stop getting care and start trying to get care that they can't pay for," Hempstead said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CBO says 10.9 million to lose insurance under Trump tax bill
The Hill
6 hours ago
- The Hill
Beyond MAHA: Defeating obesity requires a new strategy
Obesity is a major health problem facing our country. According to the CDC, more than 40 percent of the U.S. population is obese, defined as having a body-mass index above 30. As astounding at that number is, it is perhaps even more surprising that nearly 20 percent of children in the U.S. are obese. Obesity leads to significant health challenges, including diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease and liver disease. It is clear that as a nation we must face this crisis on multiple fronts. Diet and exercise certainly help, and it's critical to ensure that people of all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to healthy foods (free of preservatives, unnecessary dyes, high fructose corn syrups etc.) and are educated in making healthy lifestyle choices. The MAHA or 'Make America Healthy Again' movement has highlighted this as one of its key objectives, and if it is successful, we should see an impact on obesity — especially in children, where diet and exercise have a huge impact on weight-related health outcomes. Obesity in adults, however, is often more challenging. Many adults with obesity struggle to lose weight, despite considerable efforts to modify their lifestyle through diet and exercise. This is because our metabolism changes as we age, and many adults who are overweight develop metabolic dysfunction or 'metabolic syndrome,' which then further perpetuates weight gain and exacerbates the situation. It has become clear in recent years that many people struggling with obesity require medical intervention – not just lifestyle intervention – and that prescriptions can substantially improve weight loss. The explosion in use of GLP-1 agonists, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, over the last two years has underscored the need for medical intervention in obese and overweight patients. Currently, about 6 percent of the U.S. population, or 15 million people, are on GLP-1 weight loss treatments, and the numbers are only expected to increase. However, while most patients lose 10 percent to 25 percent of their body weight while on a GLP-1, they do not maintain GLP-1 treatment in the long-term, with approximately 80 percent of patients discontinuing treatment within 1 year. Gastrointestinal side effects, injectable administration, and high cost have prevented long-term use of GLP-1's for weight maintenance. And unfortunately, most patients gain back all the weight after stopping the medication. Healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry now recognize that obesity — like most other medical conditions — requires an 'arsenal' of treatments, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Post-GLP-1 weight maintenance is now widely recognized as an emerging unmet need. And patients who are not candidates for or cannot tolerate GLP-1s require alternatives. Diet and lifestyle modifications are important alongside prescription medications in fighting obesity. If we are going to be successful in overcoming this major health crisis, we need to ensure that both the pharmaceutical industry and groups like MAHA work hand in hand. Both treatment and prevention are critical in order to regain control of our nation's health. Dr. Shoshana Shendelman, Ph.D. is a scientist and entrepreneur who has founded numerous biotech companies. She is a pioneer in the development of drugs and therapeutics for rare and underserved diseases. Currently she is Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of Columbia University Medical Center and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Time Business News
6 hours ago
- Time Business News
Meet Your Trusted Dental Implant Specialist in Lake Mary
Are you missing one or more teeth and looking for a permanent, natural-looking solution? Dental implants may be the answer you've been searching for. But choosing the right professional makes all the difference. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about dental implants, what to expect, and—most importantly—how to meet your trusted dental implant specialist in Lake Mary who can restore your smile with confidence and precision. Dental implants are titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. Surgically placed into the jawbone, they fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Compared to traditional tooth replacement methods like removable dentures or bridges, dental implants are more durable, comfortable, and functional. They prevent bone loss, maintain facial structure, and help you eat, speak, and smile naturally. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry , over 3 million Americans have dental implants, and that number is growing by 500,000 each year. As more patients discover the life-changing benefits of implants, the demand for skilled implant specialists continues to rise. You might benefit from dental implants if you have: One or more missing teeth Difficulty chewing or speaking due to tooth loss Jawbone deterioration from prolonged tooth absence An ill-fitting denture or bridge A desire for a permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution A comprehensive evaluation with a qualified specialist will determine if you're a candidate. This includes digital imaging, a review of your oral and medical history, and possibly bone grafting if you have low bone density. Understanding the procedure helps reduce anxiety and sets realistic expectations. Here's how it works: Your journey starts with a detailed consultation. The implant specialist will assess your oral health, bone density, and suitability for implants. A customized treatment plan is then developed. Under local anesthesia or sedation, the specialist surgically places the implant post into the jawbone. Healing typically takes 3–6 months, allowing the implant to fuse with the bone. Once healed, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant. This part will hold your final crown, bridge, or denture. A custom-made crown or prosthesis is then attached to the abutment. Your new tooth will match your natural teeth in color, shape, and function. While many general dentists offer implants, a trusted dental implant specialist brings advanced training, experience, and technology to ensure better outcomes. Here's what sets them apart: Specialized Training: Periodontists and oral surgeons undergo additional years of education focused on implantology and oral surgery. Periodontists and oral surgeons undergo additional years of education focused on implantology and oral surgery. Precision Technology: Advanced tools like 3D imaging and guided surgery systems improve accuracy and reduce risk. Advanced tools like 3D imaging and guided surgery systems improve accuracy and reduce risk. High Success Rates: Specialists have higher implant success rates and are more adept at managing complex cases. When you choose to meet your trusted dental implant specialist, you're investing in the long-term success of your oral health and smile. Lake Mary is home to several dental professionals, but not all have the same level of expertise. Here's how to find the right fit: Look for board certifications, years of practice in implant dentistry, and memberships in professional organizations like the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) or the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). A reputable specialist uses state-of-the-art technology such as CBCT scans, intraoral scanners, and digital treatment planning. Satisfied patients are a strong indicator of quality care. Check reviews and ask to see real results. Choose a clinic that offers everything from consultations to restoration under one roof for a seamless experience. If you're located in Central Florida, seeking dental implants Lake Mary ensures accessibility and continuity of care. Local specialists understand the needs of the community and are available for follow-ups, adjustments, or urgent issues without the hassle of long-distance travel. Choosing a Lake Mary-based specialist also supports your local economy and builds a lasting relationship with a provider who understands your dental history. One of the most common concerns is cost. Dental implants can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth, depending on the complexity and materials used. However, many practices in Lake Mary offer: Flexible payment plans In-house membership discounts Financing through companies like CareCredit Insurance coordination, where applicable Always ask for a transparent cost breakdown and what's included (e.g., consultation, surgery, crown, imaging). Post-surgery care is crucial for healing and long-term success. Follow these tips: Stick to soft foods for a few days post-op Practice excellent oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and flossing Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings Avoid smoking or chewing hard objects Use any prescribed medications as directed Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a worthwhile investment. Missing teeth can affect your appearance, confidence, and overall health. But you don't have to live with discomfort or insecurity. With the right guidance and expertise, you can reclaim your smile and quality of life. When you're ready to take the next step, meet your trusted dental implant specialist in Lake Mary. Their expertise, compassionate care, and cutting-edge approach will ensure that your journey toward a restored smile is smooth and successful. Ready to transform your smile with dental implants? Schedule your consultation with Lake Mary's leading implant specialist today. Discover a lifetime of confidence, comfort, and natural function with expertly placed dental implants. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
