Health Influencer FTC Violation Trends: What You Need to Know

In the realm of wellness, beauty, health, and weight management, health influencers have become a prominent source of guidance and inspiration. However, the rise in their popularity has also led to an increase in Federal Trade Commission (FTC) violation trends among these influencers. Understanding these trends is essential for both influencers and their followers to ensure transparency, authenticity, and compliance with regulations.

One of the emerging trends in FTC violation by health influencers is the lack of clear and conspicuous disclosure. A health influencer is required to disclose any material connection they have with a brand they endorse. This connection could be a business or family relationship, monetary payment, or the gift of a free product. Despite this regulation, a 2025 study from the Journal of Digital Marketing Ethics found that only half of health influencers properly disclose their relationships with the brands they promote.

Another FTC violation trend seen among health influencers is making deceptive or unsupported claims. These could be about the effectiveness of a product or the results one can expect from using it. The FTC requires that any claim made by an influencer must be backed by reliable scientific evidence. A 2024 study from the Journal of Nutritional Health, for example, found that inaccurate health claims made by influencers were one of the leading causes of misinformation in the weight loss industry.

So, what can be done to address these trends? For influencers, it’s about understanding and adhering to FTC guidelines. This means disclosing relationships with brands in a clear and obvious way, such as by including a #ad or #sponsored hashtag in their posts. It also means ensuring that any health related claims they make are based on solid evidence and are not exaggerated or misleading.

For followers and consumers, it’s about being informed and vigilant. Check whether the influencer has disclosed any affiliations or partnerships with the brands they are promoting. Be skeptical of any health claims that seem too good to be true, and do your own research to verify the information.

In conclusion, while health influencers can be a valuable source of inspiration and information, it’s important to be aware of the FTC violation trends in this area. By doing so, you can ensure that you are following and supporting influencers who are transparent, authentic, and compliant with regulations.