GVH initiates competition supervision proceedings in connection with weight loss claims
2026. August 14.In August 2026, the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) initiated new competition supervision proceedings in connection with the advertising of food supplements. The GVH is examining whether the claims used in the relevant advertisements communicated messages concerning the effects of the product on weight loss and other health effects that may be contrary to the applicable sector-specific regulations and may have been capable of misleading consumers.
The communications under review included, among others, claims referring to the rate and extent of weight loss achievable through the use of the food supplement, including claims suggesting that significant weight loss could be achieved within a few months using the product. According to the GVH, such health claims referring to the rate or extent of weight loss may not be used under the applicable sector-specific regulations.
The GVH is also examining health claims suggesting that the food supplement inhibits the absorption of sugars, reduces cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, or has a detoxifying effect. According to the GVH, the use of such claims may likewise not comply with the applicable sector-specific provisions.
The advertising of food supplements continues to be a key area of focus for the GVH. In April 2026, the authority published guidance on the rules applicable to health claims, nutrition claims and claims relating to medicinal effects, in which it also highlighted that any health claim referring to the rate or extent of weight loss is prohibited.