Today, Congressman Cindy Ax (IA-03) sent a bipartisan letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting details on how to prevent deceptive advertising for children and teens. Did.
This letter was sent during Eating Disorder Awareness Month, seeking answers on how to better protect children from deceptive advertising tactics.
“This problem is affecting children throughout Iowa. Data collected by the University of Iowa show that an increasing number of girls are seeking help and assistance in recovering from eating disorders. Is shown. Rep. Axne said. “As a mom, I know that kids are being hit by ads and images that tell them they need to lose weight, gain muscle, and change their body. It doesn’t work and they It can even be harmful to your health. “
Dietary supplements aimed at weight loss and muscle building use misleading and deceptive advertising on social media. FTC is responsible for ensuring that the marketing of these products is accurate. In 2020, FTC ruled that TEMI would have to pay a $ 1 million fine for false claims for weight loss products.
Since then, social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have seen increasing celebrity support and paid advertising, but social media influencers have made false claims about weight loss without disclosing that the post is an ad. You have been fined for promoting it.
“Advertising weight loss and muscle hypertrophy supplements is idealized for young consumers, but especially with the support of well-known celebrities, it promises that results will be nearly impossible. Attractive. As part of our research, weight loss sold in unrealistic claims, including products that target fat only in specific areas of the body or promise extreme weight loss in the short term. I easily found hundreds of examples of supplements. “ Written by members.
Click here to read the full letter.
Congressman Axne is helping to raise awareness of eating disorders and increase funding for training programs for health care professionals. Congress passed the first law in 2016 to improve the coverage of eating disorder health insurance. This has been signed by law.
