Key Points:

• This article applies to both Sellers and Creators.
• Medical Claims: Statements that may imply a product can treat, cure, or prevent a condition without professional supervision are prohibited.
• Weight Management Claims: Statements that suggest a product may cause weight loss, weight gain, muscle gain, fat burning, or body transformation are prohibited.
• Wellness Claims: Statements that suggest a product can prevent or cure any wellness condition related to physical, mental, or emotional well-being are prohibited.

This article is intended solely as an informational resource to provide general guidance on health-related content. Sellers and creators are expected to remain responsible for complying with the Community Guidelines, along with TikTok Shop Policies, including but not limited to the Prohibited Products Policy and Content Policy.
Additionally, this article:

• Provides indications of which products and claims are generally prohibited, along with reasons why such restrictions may exist.
• Outlines TikTok Shop’s policies on medical and weight management claims for both product listings and content (videos and LIVE streams).
• Aims to protect users and prevent misleading or harmful content.
• Suggests approaches for responsibly promoting wellness-related content and products.

Product & Listing Policies: Prohibited Products and Actions

TikTok Shop’s listing and prohibited product policies are intended to encourage safe, transparent, and honest shopping experience.

General Requirements

When listing products, sellers and creators must ensure:

• Titles, descriptions, images, packaging, and labels set realistic expectations.
• All content complies with TikTok’s standards for truthfulness, accuracy, and safety.

For full requirements, refer to the Product Listing Policy and Prohibited Products Policy.

Prohibited Products

• Body and Mental Wellness Products: Items marketed for weight loss, weight gain, fat reduction, detox, appetite suppressants, or that promote unsafe mental health behaviors (e.g., self-harm, disordered eating). Products that use ‘GLP’ or any variation of it in their branding or product title.
• Medicines, Medical Devices, and Medicinal Supplements: Prescription-only medicines, certain OTC or unlicensed medicines, steroids, CBD beauty products, and certain medical devices.

Note: Some dietary supplements, medical devices, and medical supplies are restricted. To sell these products, sellers must complete the category qualification process via the Dietary Supplements Policy or Medical Devices and Medical Supplies Policy. Listing these products without approval violates TikTok Shop policies.
Refer to the Prohibited Products Policy for more information.

Prohibited Actions

Certain actions and claims are not permitted on TikTok Shop and will result in policy violations. This applies to all listings.

• Weight-related claims: This may involve promises of weight loss, weight gain, fat reduction, or targeted body changes. For example, guaranteed, effortless, or permanent results must not be suggested.
• Ingredient claims: These include statements promoting weight management effects. Describe the relationship between a food, dietary ingredient, or supplement and a reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition. Must be authorized by the FDA based on scientific evidence.

Content Guidelines:

Our policies prohibit certain types of medical and weight management content to help protect users, prevent misinformation, and maintain a safe shopping experience.

Content Policies (Videos & LIVE streams)

TikTok Shop’s content policies are intended to help protect users and support a safe, trustworthy environment. For broader guidance on content, you may wish to review the Content Policy.
Requirements (to keep in mind): Content should generally align with the Content Policy, including (but not limited to):

• Visuals, videos, images, captions, hashtags, and LIVE streams
• Titles, hyperlinks, and descriptions
• Character speeches, nicknames, and personal introductions
• Clothing, behavior, voice, and mic setups

Content to Avoid: As best practice, content is expected to maintain truthfulness, promote safety, and set realistic expectations; content that does not meet these standards may be considered prohibited, including but not limited to the following examples:

• Weight claims: Content that appears to promote products with promises of weight loss, gain, fat reduction, or targeted body changes; guaranteed, effortless, or permanent results; or ingredient claims related to weight loss.
• Wellness and medical claims: Content that appears to promote products with claims that it can cure, prevent, or treat serious conditions that require professional treatment or diagnosis.
• GLP-1 Products: Products with “GLP” in the name or description are not permitted for sale or promotion.
• False or exaggerated claims: Content that imply body transformation within an unrealistic timeframe, or exaggerated promises about performance, effects, functions, or results that may appear overstated, even if accompanied by disclaimers. False health claims that discourage professional medical consultations, suggest a product is superior to a healthy, balanced diet or lifestyle, or falsely attribute medical credibility to a product.
• Misrepresentation of product credibility: Statements that could inaccurately suggest awards, certifications, guarantees, or warranties.
• Misleading product information: Content that presents brand names, descriptions, key attributes, or product functions in a way that could be inconsistent with the product being sold.
• Misleading visuals: Before-and-after photos (with limited exceptions, such as skin-tightening examples accompanied by a disclaimer), as well as edited images, filters, or other digital effects that may artificially enhance or imply product results.
• Harmful or unsafe claims: Hashtags or content that appear to promote extreme or dangerous behaviors (e.g., #starvemax, #bonesmashing), malicious comparisons, or wellness claims without scientific evidence.

For more information, please refer to our Community Guidelines.What’s Typically Allowed?The following are examples of content that may be permitted under our policies:

• General wellness tips, such as balanced eating, exercise, and sleep routines.
• Product reviews that describe personal experiences without promising transformation or extreme results.
• Safe, neutral lifestyle products, like yoga mats, resistance bands, or general fitness equipment.
• Fitness or nutrition content that emphasizes sports, general athleticism, or long-term health, rather than weight loss.
• Competitive eating contests presented as entertainment.
• Medically necessary surgeries or health interventions, when guided by qualified professionals.
• Religious or political fasting, shared in a cultural or informational context.
• Content featuring differently-abled or disabled bodies in a respectful and inclusive way.
• Content with a focus on overall wellness rather than weight loss or muscle gain. For example, protein powder might be discussed in terms of supporting energy, immunity, skin and hair health, gut balance, stress recovery, or bone strength.

Medical Claims

Medical claims are generally understood as statements that imply a product might treat, cure, prevent, or alleviate a medical condition.
Why medical claims could be restricted:

• Such claims may mislead customers and create unrealistic or unsafe expectations.
• They could potentially cause physical or mental harm if products are unsafe or used incorrectly.
• They might lead to dissatisfaction, complaints, or negative reviews when expectations are not met.

Examples of claims that are typically considered prohibited medical claims:

• “This supplement prevents heart disease.”
• “This tea eases PTSD symptoms.”
• “Doctors don’t want you to know about this product. My psoriasis disappeared!”

Prohibited Formats

• Using images of real medical symptoms in connection with a product.
• Discouraging users from seeking proper healthcare consultation with professionals.
• Featuring doctor or nurse imagery in ways that might imply or suggest endorsement.
• Making claims that appear to position a product as superior to prescription-only treatments.
• Using hashtags that could imply a medical effect (e.g., #supplementtocurecancer).

Do not claim that a promoted product will prevent or cure any wellness condition related to physical, mental, or emotional well-being, even if disclaimers are provided.
Disclaimers such as “results may vary” or “based on personal experience” are only acceptable in the following cases:

• When showing before-and-after results for non-medical claims (e.g., skin tightening, hair growth).
• For time-based claims that describe when a product is expected to show its effects (e.g., "visible results in 2 weeks")

Weight Management Claims

Weight management claims are generally understood as statements that suggest a product might cause weight loss, weight gain, fat reduction, or body transformation, whether expressed verbally, visually, or in writing.
Why weight management claims could be restricted:

• They may mislead viewers about what results are realistic.
• They could encourage unhealthy behaviors or disordered eating in some cases.
• They might contribute to harmful body image expectations.
• Restricting such claims is intended to help protect users from potentially unsafe products, misinformation, and harmful health practices.

Policy Guidance: Weight, Muscle, and Wellness ContentOur platform policies do not permit the marketing, promotion or sale of products designed for weight loss or muscle gain, as well as any product where such claims are the primary focus of marketing. Some examples of products designed for weight loss or muscle gain are:

• Pharmaceutical products or weight loss medications.
• Diet pills or fat burners.
• Muscle-enhancing pharmaceuticals.
• Products that appear to promise extreme body changes or unrealistic health outcomes.

Policy Guidance: Incidental BenefitsSome products might have incidental weight- or muscle-related benefits (e.g., protein powders, general wellness supplements). These claims may be acceptable if, for example:

• Promotions appear to focus on broader wellness aspects (such as hydration, energy, recovery, balance, or confidence) rather than positioning weight loss or muscle gain as the central claim.
• The products seem to be presented responsibly as part of a balanced, long-term approach to health.

We encourage creators to share content in ways that reflect their authentic selves, ideally without pressure to compare their bodies to others. Content that is seen as promoting risky weight management or muscle gain behaviors is non-compliant and will be restricted.
Examples of Prohibited Weight Management ClaimsExplicit or implicit statements or visuals that appear to suggest a product might cause rapid, extreme, or guaranteed physical transformations are generally considered prohibited. Such claims may mislead customers with unrealistic expectations and could encourage unhealthy or unsafe health practices.
Examples could include, but are not limited to:

• “Drop 10 pounds in a week with this supplement.”
• “Burn belly fat instantly with this tea.”
• “Lose weight without diet or exercise.”
• “Take this snack daily and never worry about weight gain.”
• “No longer obese, thanks to this product!”
• “Get slim legs right away when you use this lotion.”
• "Phrases such as “Burn fat fast.”
• “This product helped me drop from size 16 to size 8.”
• Comparisons of results to prescription drugs (e.g., GLP-1 medications).

Prohibited FormatsThe following formats are generally considered non-compliant and may be restricted. This list is non-exhaustive and not limited to:

• Product promises that appear to suggest weight loss or gain, fat reduction, or body transformation (e.g., waist trainers).
• Ingredient claims that may be interpreted as attributing weight loss effects.
• Personal testimonials that imply a product directly caused weight changes.
• Visuals that might be misleading, such as before-and-after images (with limited exceptions for debloating) or transformation graphics.
• Hashtags that could be interpreted as promoting weight loss (e.g., #droppoundssupplement, #fatburningtea).

Regulatory Claims

Claims must comply with applicable government standards (FDA, USDA, FTC). Examples include (but not limited to):

• Health Claims: “May reduce risk of osteoporosis.”
• Nutrient Content Claims: “High in vitamin C.”
• Structure/Function Claims: “Supports healthy digestion.”
• Certifications: USDA Organic, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO (must be verified).

For more information, refer to our Regulated Claims: What You Need to Know article.

Best Practices for Health & Wellness Content

• Focus on holistic health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Share practical tips for nutrition, meal planning, and exercise without making promises about specific results.
• Promote healthy lifestyle products in a safe and responsible way.
• Before posting, review the product selection risk reminder and use the video pre-check tool.
• If you receive a violation notice, complete any required quizzes or reviews before promoting health-related products again.
• For additional guidance, refer to How to Avoid Misleading Content and Best Practices for Promotional Content.

Note: It may be acceptable to promote overall wellness benefits, including but not limited to supporting energy, immunity, hair and skin health, gut balance, daily vitality, stress recovery, bone health, and digestive support, as well as promoting balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, nutrition, meal prep, eating clean, and “food is fuel” messages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I sell weight loss or muscle gain products on TikTok Shop?

No. TikTok Shop does not allow the sale or promotion of products designed specifically for weight loss or muscle gain, including diet pills, fat burners, steroids, muscle-enhancing pharmaceuticals, and any product making extreme body change claims. This applies even if the product is from a licensed pharmacy.

Are any weight loss or muscle gain claims allowed in my marketing?

No, these are not permitted. Harmful claims are also prohibited. Please avoid the following:

• Promises of rapid or guaranteed results
• “Miracle” claims
• Unrealistic body expectations or body-shaming language
• Claims that certain clothing (e.g., waist trainers) directly causes weight loss
• Comparing results to pharmaceutical products, such as suggesting the promoted product is more effective than prescription medication.

What about products with incidental claims about weight loss or muscle gain?

Weight loss and muscle gain claims are not allowed. However, products like protein powders or wellness supplements can be promoted as supporting a healthy lifestyle, not as quick solutions for dramatic weight loss or muscle gain.

How should I present products that may contribute to weight loss or muscle gain?

Do not make claims about weight loss or muscle gain. Focus on:

• Highlighting overall wellness, balanced living, and achievable fitness goals
• Showing the product as one element of a healthy lifestyle, not a promised fix

Can I promote pharmacy or service partnerships on TikTok Shop?

Yes, but with restrictions.

• Prescription or high-risk weight loss products (e.g., compounded GLP-1 medications):

❌ Not allowed to promote or advertise.

• Lower-risk products (e.g., general wellness supplements like berberine):

✅ May be allowed if compliant with claim rules and free of harmful or exaggerated promises.