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  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 8, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , weight loss drugs   

    Weight-Loss Scams Are Everywhere, and AI Is Making Them Harder to Spot 

    By Greg Collier

    GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity, and right on schedule, scammers have followed.

    According to reports, scam complaints surged in late 2025 as fake weight-loss promises flooded social media feeds. The hook is simple: “Just as effective as GLP-1s—no prescription needed.” That claim alone should immediately set off alarms.

    What’s Going On

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says it has seen a sharp spike in reports involving supplements falsely claiming to work like prescription GLP-1 medications.

    Even more concerning: many of these ads are AI-generated, complete with deepfake celebrity endorsements designed to manufacture trust.

    The Celebrity Deepfake Problem

    One of the most common tactics involves fake videos of well-known public figures promoting “natural” weight-loss products.

    The BBB highlighted a widely shared deepfake impersonating Oprah Winfrey, falsely promoting a supplement. Winfrey addressed this directly in an August letter published by Oprah Daily:

    “Every week, my lawyers and I are playing whack-a-mole with fake AI videos of me selling everything from gummies to pink salt.

    Let me say this clearly: If you see an ad with my face on a ‘product,’ it’s fake.”

    This is no longer just misleading marketing; it’s identity theft powered by generative AI.

    Why These Scams Work So Well

    Scammers are exploiting three things at once:

    1. High demand for GLP-1 medications
    2. Limited access and high cost, which make “shortcuts” tempting
    3. Public familiarity with drug names like Ozempic and Wegovy

    When people already know these drugs are real and effective, it becomes easier to sell a fake alternative that sounds legitimate.

    The Biggest Red Flag

    The BBB says there is one warning sign above all others:

    Any GLP-1-style treatment offered without a prescription.

    GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs. There is no legal, safe, or legitimate way to obtain them, or their effects, through an over-the-counter supplement.

    Other Red Flags

    • Claims of rapid or effortless weight loss
    • “Natural” supplements claiming prescription-level results
    • Celebrity endorsements you didn’t see reported anywhere else
    • Pressure to act quickly or “limited supply” countdowns
    • Requests for health or insurance information upfront

    What About Telehealth?

    Legitimate telehealth providers do exist, and some can legally prescribe GLP-1 medications after a proper medical evaluation. But the BBB stresses that consumers should:

    • Research companies carefully
    • Verify licensing and credentials
    • Consult their own doctor first

    What to Do If You See One of These Ads

    If you encounter a suspected scam:

    Final Thoughts

    GLP-1 medications are real. The weight-loss benefits are real. But “GLP-1-equivalent supplements” are not.

    AI-generated ads and deepfake celebrity videos are turning ordinary social media feeds into scam delivery systems, and health-related scams carry real physical risks, not just financial ones.

    If it promises prescription-level results without a prescription, it isn’t a breakthrough.

    It’s a scam.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: counterfeit drugs, , , , , , Wegovy, weight loss drugs   

    Weight-Loss Drug Scams Pose Many Risks 

    Weight-Loss Drug Scams Pose Many Risks

    By Greg Collier

    The skyrocketing demand for GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar treatments containing semaglutide, has not only transformed the healthcare landscape but has also created fertile ground for online scams. While these medications have been celebrated for their effectiveness in treating certain health conditions, they should only be taken under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider and for approved purposes. Unfortunately, the allure of these drugs has led to a surge in fraudulent schemes targeting individuals seeking them.

    The demand for GLP-1 medications has grown exponentially, fueled by their reputation as powerful tools for managing weight and certain health issues. Ozempic, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, approved specifically for chronic weight management, have become household names. However, several barriers, including high costs, insurance limitations, and ongoing shortages, have made these drugs difficult to access for many people. This challenging environment has opened the door for scammers, who exploit the desperation of those looking for affordable alternatives.

    Fraudsters have employed tactics ranging from impersonating medical professionals on social media platforms to posting fake listings on online marketplaces. These schemes often promise discounted medications but deliver counterfeit or ineffective products, if anything at all.

    Social media platforms have also played a significant role in the proliferation of these scams. Some algorithms, designed to engage users by showing them relevant content, have inadvertently helped scammers target individuals interested in weight loss. Videos showcasing what appear to be legitimate branded medications often surface on unsuspecting users’ feeds, creating an illusion of credibility.

    Despite growing awareness of the issue, efforts to curb these scams on social media platforms have faced criticism for being insufficient. The rapid dissemination of fraudulent content underscores the need for more robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

    Complicating the situation further is the legal landscape surrounding compounded medications. Compounded medications are customized drugs created by licensed pharmacists or compounding pharmacies to meet the specific needs of an individual patient. Unlike mass-produced medications, compounded drugs are made by combining, mixing, or altering ingredients based on a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

    When brand-name drugs face shortages, compounding pharmacies are permitted to create alternative formulations. While this practice can provide a legal and beneficial solution in some cases, it has also created opportunities for bad actors to market unregulated and potentially unsafe products.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has emphasized that compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and has urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing them. Beyond financial loss, victims of these scams may unknowingly expose themselves to serious health risks by using unverified substances.

    While the promise of effective weight-loss medications can be enticing, they should only be obtained through legitimate channels and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The risks of engaging with unverified sources far outweigh any potential benefits. By prioritizing safety and reporting suspicious activities, individuals can help combat the growing threat of online scams in this space.

     

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