Experts Warn Kiwis Against Using AI And Unregulated Products For New Year's Weight-Loss Goals

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

Dr Kieran Dang, clinical lead for telehealth provider Moshy NZ, says patients are increasingly being misled by social media promotions and artificial intelligence 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.[1]

A 2024 New Zealand study of dietary supplements found that high-risk weight-loss products may include undeclared prescription drugs or excessive caffeine, meaning consumers are ingesting unknown and potentially dangerous substances.[2]

“As people set health goals for the new year, many turn to the internet for help, but what looks like a quick fix can do lasting damage. It’s important to recognise that credible weight-loss care needs proper medical oversight,” he says.

Dr Dang says the combination 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. What starts as a resolution to get healthy can quickly become a risk to your wellbeing,” he says.

Dr Dang adds that his concerns do not apply to all social media content, noting that some verified and evidence-based health accounts provide valuable education and support.

“Social media can be a positive space when information comes from credible, medically verified sources. The danger lies with unverified accounts or AI-generated advice that appears trustworthy but has no clinical backing,” he says.

“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.

“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.

Notes:

[1] Medsafe, Advisory on unapproved weight-loss medicines and undeclared ingredients, updated 2023. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/regulatory/weight/weightloss.asp

[2] Kurniawan et al., The determination of unapproved drugs in New Zealand dietary supplements using validated chromatographic methods, Food Research Journal, 21 January 2024. https://www.myfoodresearch.com/uploads/8/4/8/5/84855864/_12__fr-2022-399_kurniawan.pdf

About Moshy

Moshy is one of Australia’s largest telehealth platforms, providing digital healthcare to more than 150,000 patients nationwide. Founded to address common but often underserved health concerns, Moshy offers convenient, discreet access to doctors and specialists through online consultations. Its clinical team of 40 practitioners delivers up to 50,000 consultations annually across areas including weight management, skin, hair and sexual health.

The launch in New Zealand in 2025 will see Moshy establish a locally based team of doctors and nurses to support patients with weight loss management. The service is designed to reduce pressure on general practices by moving non-urgent consultations online, freeing up in-person GP capacity. Over the coming year, Moshy plans to expand its New Zealand services to include dermatology, travel health and broader GP consultations.

By removing geographic barriers and offering accessible, wraparound digital care, Moshy is helping create a more efficient and patient-centred primary healthcare system.

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