Influencers in Fiji are increasingly promoting wellness
products, diets, and supplements to large audiences through
social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and
Facebook. While this trend has encouraged many consumers to
show greater interest in healthy living, it also raises
concerns about the accuracy of information being shared and
the potential risks of unverified claims.
The Consumer
Council of Fiji has noted that some influencers are
aggressively creating urgency around products such as
dietary supplements, often promising quick fixes for issues
such as weight loss or improved health within weeks or
months. In some cases, these promotions are linked to
multi-level marketing schemes, which rely on aggressive
sales tactics and recruitment models that closely resemble
pyramid-style systems.
Council CEO, Seema Shandil,
cautions consumers to exercise vigilance when engaging with
such promotions. “Health influencers are not medical
professionals and therefore cannot determine what is right
for an individual’s body. What may be suitable for one
person can create harmful side effects for another,
sometimes not immediately but later in life. Consumers must
ask critical questions such as whether the product is safe,
whether it is effective, and whether it is appropriate for
their health condition. Only a qualified health professional
can provide reliable answers to these questions,” added
Shandil.
The Council further highlights that while
some companies selling supplements are legitimate
businesses, the products they promote are not necessarily
verified for safety and effectiveness by the relevant health
authorities in Fiji, or their country of origin. This
creates risks for consumers who may purchase and use such
products based on persuasive online testimonials rather than
proper medical guidance.
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Consumers are therefore urged
to approach such promotions with caution, to remember that
influencers are not trained or licensed health
professionals, and to always seek advice from a doctor,
nutritionist, or other qualified health provider before
beginning any supplement or drastic diet plan. They are also
encouraged to research both the company and the product
thoroughly before committing to a purchase, particularly
when the promotion takes place through social media
channels.
The Council urges influencers to act
responsibly and to prioritise the health and wellbeing of
their audiences rather than focusing on profit-driven
promotions. Consumers who feel they have been misled by
false health claims are encouraged to contact the Council by
calling the toll-free National Consumer Helpline on 155 or
emailing
complaints@consumersfiji.org.
