TikTok has started clamping down on influencers promoting the diabetic drug Ozempic as a weight loss medication following its new policy against "problematic" content.
Business Insider reported that several online personalities are being suspended for sharing a restrictive diet that includes the use of Ozempic drugs.
@sweetladyjdubs So this is why my account is constantly suspended. Got it. #glp1besties #insulinresistance #pcosgirlies ♬ original sound - Jess
The report also noted that searching up weight loss content will result in TikTok showing a supportive message, telling users that "you are more than your weight."
It is worth noting that the message prompt does not always appear when watching fitness content and advice.
The new policies follow after TikTok's appearance at the Senate hearing last February to discuss safety concerns for the children on social media platforms.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has been reported earlier of meeting with youth safety advisers in proceeding with the new policies on social media.
FDA Warns Against Use of Ozempic as Weight Loss Drug
When the use of Ozempic first trended on social media, the US Food and Drug Administration has already warned people to be careful of using diabetic medications as weight loss drugs.
According to the FDA, weight loss is merely a side effect of the drug that is mainly used to reduce certain blood sugar and boost the patient's production of insulin.
The agency has also noted a growing black market for unauthorized and counterfeit Ozempic as famous personalities, including celebrities, started promoting the drug as a more effective weight loss drug.
The FDA already has approved several weight loss supplements like Imcivree and Wegovy that are considered much safer than the unauthorized Ozempic.
TikTok to Block Depressive, Sexually Suggestive Content
Restrictive diets and dangerous fitness advice are not the only type of content TikTok will start blocking following its updated Community Guidelines.
The video-sharing platform also noted that it will start cracking down on posts related to sexual suggestiveness, sadness, and overgeneralized mental health information.
TikTok noted that these types of videos would still be visible on people's "For You" feed but will be recommended less to "interrupt repetitive content patterns" for what it considers as "problematic if viewed in clusters."
The new content guidelines will be fully implemented on May 17, although some provisions may have already started as evidenced by the supposed fitness advisers on the platform.
