Health experts are warning New Zealanders to be cautious of online and AI-driven weight-loss advice as New Year fitness goals kick off.

Dr Kieran Dang, clinical lead for telehealth provider Moshy NZ, says patients are increasingly being misled by social media promotions and AI tools that offer unsafe or ineffective treatments.

“I’m deeply concerned by the rise of unregulated weight-loss products being promoted on social media. Patients tell me they’ve tried capsules or supplements sold online with no idea what’s actually in them. These are not prescription medications and can be dangerous,” he says.

Medsafe has identified unapproved diet-pill products in New Zealand that were found to contain prescription medicines or controlled substances, including sibutramine and phenethylamine, which are linked to heart rate, blood pressure and valve risks.

A 2024 New Zealand study of dietary supplements found high-risk weight-loss products may include undeclared prescription drugs or excessive caffeine, meaning consumers are ingesting unknown and potentially dangerous substances.

Dr Dang says the mix of social media, AI tools and unregulated supplements is creating “a perfect storm” for people seeking rapid results after the holiday season.

“January is when motivation is at its highest but also when people are most vulnerable to misinformation,” he says.

Moshy Clinical lead, Dr Kieran Dang.

Dr Dang says not all social media health content is a problem, and that some verified and evidence-based accounts provide valuable education and support.

“My message to anyone looking to lose weight this year is simple. Check that any medication is Medsafe-registered, avoid buying supplements or capsules through social media, and always seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional,” he says.

“Safe and effective weight loss needs medical supervision. If something promises instant results or sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” he says.

For readers on the Hibiscus Coast, the same caution applies when weight-loss claims show up online.

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