ADVERTISEMENT CAMPAIGN DESCRIBING OBESITY AS CHRONIC DISEASE

NOTICE PAPER NO. 126

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 14 OCTOBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms He Ting Ru

MP for Sengkang GRC

Question No. 571

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health with regard to a pharmaceutical company’s campaign website and advertisements at One-North MRT station and other public locations stating that obesity is a chronic disease (a) whether the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has received any feedback about the campaign; (b) whether the HSA has investigated it for contravention of any regulations; and (c) if so, can HSA share the findings.

Answer:

1        Advertisements of medicines must comply with Health Sciences Authority’s (HSA) legislation. The advertisements should not contain information that may lead to the promotion of specific medicines. However, campaigns or materials intended for educating consumers on diseases or medical conditions are permissible as they serve a public health purpose, such as advertisements to encourage vaccination to prevent disease outbreaks, without naming any specific medicines.

2        As such, HSA did not identify any non-compliance with this said campaign on obesity. Consumers are advised to consult healthcare professionals if they need help in the management of obesity and related conditions.