The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned advertisements for a blood-testing company co-founded by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a doctor known for his role on BBC Breakfast and his podcast "Feel Better, Live More." The adverts promoted Do Health’s annual subscription service, which offers blood tests and personalized lifestyle coaching for £249, but the ASA ruled that the marketing was misleading.
The regulator found that the ads suggested the blood tests could diagnose, prevent, or manage serious medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the ASA stated that the company had not provided evidence to substantiate these claims. According to the ASA, this lack of scientific validation meant that the advertisements could mislead consumers about the benefits and capabilities of Do Health’s testing service.
Dr. Chatterjee referenced his personal motivation for the venture in a Facebook video, explaining that his father suffered from a chronic autoimmune disease requiring kidney dialysis for 15 years, and expressing a desire to avoid a similar health outcome. The ASA concluded that this connection implied that Do Health’s tests could identify or prevent such serious illnesses, contributing to what it deemed misleading advertising.
Do Health contested the ASA’s interpretation, arguing that references to Dr. Chatterjee’s father were intended to illustrate his interest in preventive health rather than to make specific medical claims. The company also maintained that the LinkedIn posts in question were commentary on healthcare topics and the launch of the business, rather than advertisements. However, the ASA determined that the posts promoted the services offered by Do Health and thus fell under advertising standards.
The ruling highlights ongoing concerns around direct-to-consumer health services and the accuracy of claims made in marketing materials, especially when linked to disease prevention and diagnosis. While proponents emphasize the potential of personalized health information to encourage lifestyle changes, regulators remain cautious about unsubstantiated assertions that may influence consumer decisions regarding medical care.