Can I say it?
Can I say “melt fat” in a med spa ad?
Usually no. 5 rules fired across 3 sample sentences, and the checker's own text explains why.
The short answer
Usually no. The checker blocks the bare phrase in this setting. The first rule it hits is CG-RFA-008. Its reason: Pain, itch, swelling or symptom relief claims, sexual performance and fat-loss claims describe the effect of a drug on the body and are unapproved drug claims for a supplement, cosmetic or device.
Source the rule cites: FDCA 201(g)(1); 21 CFR 101.93(g); FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance
Checked as an ad promoting a clinical service. Context changes the result. The same samples hit these blocking rules: 3 in a drug or device ad, 3 in a supplement ad, 2 in a clinical service ad.
A clear result is not an all-clear. The checker flags wording for review and does not know your evidence, your state or your platform's review. Read the limitations.
Sample wording, run through the checker
These are sentences written to contain the phrase, not real claims. Each ran through the real engine and the shipped rule-set when this site was built.
Melt fat away.
- BlockingCG-RFA-008Disease claims. Matched: “Melt fat”
- Blocking
CG-TRL-007Absolute promises. Matched: “Melt fat” - Warning
CG-EFF-007Efficacy and proof. Matched: “Melt fat”
Burn fat fast with GLP-1.
- BlockingCG-RFA-008Disease claims. Matched: “Burn fat”
- WarningCG-RAF-004Efficacy and proof. Matched: “Burn fat fast”
- Warning
CG-EFF-007Efficacy and proof. Matched: “Burn fat” - Warning
CG-PLT-034Platform policy. Matched: “GLP-1”
Our laser melts fat in one session.
- BlockingCG-RFA-008Disease claims. Matched: “melts fat”
- Blocking
CG-TRL-007Absolute promises. Matched: “melts fat” - Warning
CG-EFF-007Efficacy and proof. Matched: “melts fat”
What to say instead
This version came back with no rule fired:
Our body contouring menu includes treatments that target small areas. Book a consult to see what fits.
What the rules themselves suggest:
- CG-RFA-008 Remove the symptom-relief, sexual performance and fat-burning claims, or move the product through drug approval.
- CG-TRL-007 Remove claims of effortless or rapid loss. Say that results vary and depend on diet, activity and medical supervision, and cite evidence for any number.
- CG-RAF-004 Remove the specific amount or speed unless it is backed by a controlled study of the product, and state typical results.
The rules behind this answer
Reason, source and citation for each rule that fired, in the checker's own words. Blocking rules come first.
CG-RFA-008 · Blocks approval · Citation checked against stored text
Pain, itch, swelling or symptom relief claims, sexual performance and fat-loss claims describe the effect of a drug on the body and are unapproved drug claims for a supplement, cosmetic or device.
Source: FDCA 201(g)(1); 21 CFR 101.93(g); FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance
Safer wording: Remove the symptom-relief, sexual performance and fat-burning claims, or move the product through drug approval.
21 CFR 101.93(g) · Needs counsel review
CG-TRL-007 · Blocks approval
Promising effortless fat loss, fixed amounts of weight lost in a short time, or eating without restriction while losing weight is an unsubstantiated and misleading weight-loss claim.
Source: FTC Act section 5; FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance (2022); FTC weight-loss advertising enforcement (e.g. Operation Big Fat Lie, Red Flag guidance on weight-loss claims)
Safer wording: Remove claims of effortless or rapid loss. Say that results vary and depend on diet, activity and medical supervision, and cite evidence for any number.
See source text · Needs counsel review
CG-RAF-004 · Warns · Citation checked against stored text
A promised amount or speed of weight loss, or fat-melting and appetite-suppression language, is an objective efficacy claim that needs competent and reliable scientific evidence.
Source: FTC Act section 5 and the FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance (substantiation of weight-loss claims); 16 CFR Part 255. UK ASA rulings are the origin of the pattern but UK law is out of scope.
Safer wording: Remove the specific amount or speed unless it is backed by a controlled study of the product, and state typical results.
16 CFR Part 255 · Needs counsel review
CG-EFF-007 · Blocks approval
Effortless weight-loss and fat-burning claims are classic unsubstantiated claims.
Source: FTC Act section 5; FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance (weight-loss claims)
Safer wording: Say what the program involves, including diet and activity, and cite evidence for any result you state.
See source text · Needs counsel review
CG-PLT-034 · Warns · Citation checked against stored text
Quora restricts healthcare advertising, including prescription and over the counter medication, GLP-1 medications, online and offline pharmacies, and clinical trial recruitment. These need Quora's approval before the ad runs. This is platform policy, not law, and an ad can be rejected without it.
Source: Quora Advertising Policies ("We restrict the promotion of healthcare-related content."; "We restrict GLP-1 medications.")
Safer wording: Ask Quora for approval with your company name, the product or service and the landing page before you run the ad. Appointment booking sites, basic medical supplies and online therapy apps do not need prior approval.
Quora Advertising Policies
Background: Structure/function claim in the glossary.
Questions
Which rule covers fat loss claims?
Rule CG-RFA-008. It cites 21 CFR 101.93(g). The rule's reason: Pain, itch, swelling or symptom relief claims, sexual performance and fat-loss claims describe the effect of a drug on the body and are unapproved drug claims for a supplement, cosmetic or device.
What should I write instead?
The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-RFA-008: Remove the symptom-relief, sexual performance and fat-burning claims, or move the product through drug approval.
Does the answer change for a drug, a supplement or a service?
Context changes the result. The same samples hit these blocking rules: 3 in a drug or device ad, 3 in a supplement ad, 2 in a clinical service ad. Pick the type that matches what you promote when you run the checker.
Next step
Check your own wording
Paste your copy into the free checker. Every flag names its rule and its source.