Posted on Thursday 15th January 2026
Councillor Anthony Screen with Amardeep Mann at Pyramid Pharmacy Stafford
People looking to improve their health in the new year are being reminded to rely on trusted sources for advice, not from social media or online influencers.
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council want people to be cautious of social media posts promoting health or weight-loss products. Particular care should be taken with any treatments advertised online, especially injections.
Misleading advertisements are another concern for the service. For example, it is illegal to advertise prescription medication, which should only ever be obtained from a doctor or qualified health professional. Fake pharmacy websites attempting to bypass legal controls are also on the rise.
Counterfeit goods can pose serious health risks and scams are common, with people also advised to watch out for fake reviews and subscription traps. Typical scam items include diet pills, vitamins, herbal drinks, and detox formulas, which are often promoted without any scientific backing.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“We know that some people can be tempted by products or special offers promising instant health benefits but the dangers often outweigh the rewards.
“Many advertised diet and detox supplements don’t work and can even be harmful. Sustainable weight loss comes from small and lasting changes to diet and lifestyle, not quick-fix miracle cures.
"Our Trading Standards officers are working hard to ensure businesses comply with strict rules on marketing and advertising these products, so that it is crystal clear to everyone that making false claims is illegal.”
Amardeep Mann, Director and Superintendent Pharmacist at Pyramid Pharmacy Stafford, said:
“As an independent pharmacy owner, I see first-hand the risks patients face when they buy medicines online from unregulated sources.
“Fake medicines can look identical to genuine ones, but they may contain the wrong dose, the wrong ingredients or no active ingredient at all. In some cases, they can even include harmful substances. Plus, when medicines are purchased outside of a regulated pharmacy, patients miss out on vital safety checks.
“Patients deserve safe, effective treatment and professional support and using regulated pharmacies is not just a safe choice, but a vital one.”
The county council has an online Health App Finder, which offers trusted and effective apps that can help people achieve their health goals. The Health App Finder can be found here.
Advice is also available at Healthy Eating, Moving More, Healthy Weight - Staffordshire County Council. Anyone considering accessing weight loss drugs should visit Local Weight Management services - Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, ICS for information.
Businesses that market health or weight-loss products can get advice on the Staffordshire County Council website.