Several online pharmacies breached advertising regulations over the summer by promoting prescription-only weight-loss pills, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has confirmed. The watchdog identified at least five such cases and indicated that additional investigations are ongoing.

The newly released oral weight-loss medications, which require a prescription, have gained significant consumer interest as an alternative to established injectable treatments. Despite this, many online chemists reportedly operated waiting lists and preorder schemes, enabling thousands of customers to register in advance for the pills.

The ASA emphasized that advertising prescription-only medicines, including these oral treatments and injectable alternatives, is prohibited. The authority stated that the pharmaceutical promotions violated these rules by openly marketing the pills to the public.

The investigation into online pharmacy advertisements reflects increased regulatory scrutiny aimed at ensuring compliance with existing guidelines designed to protect consumers. The outcome serves as a reminder to retailers and suppliers about the restrictions surrounding prescription medication advertising in the digital marketplace.