Think You Can’t Run Meta Ads for Weight Loss or Health? Think Again!

Dec 06, 2024

Have you heard that Meta doesn’t allow weight loss ads? It’s a rumor that’s been making the rounds in health and wellness circles for years. Many practitioners are convinced that Facebook and Instagram’s strict policies make it impossible to promote weight loss services effectively.

But here’s the truth: not only can you advertise weight loss on Meta, but you can also do it in a way that attracts the right clients and grows your business—ethically and in full compliance with their policies.

Today we’ll unravel the misconceptions, walk you through Meta’s guidelines, and show you how to create ads that drive results without breaking the rules. Plus, we’ll address another common myth: Can you really use the word “you” in your ads? Hint: Yes, you can.

Myth #1: “Facebook Doesn’t Allow Weight Loss Ads”

Oh, this one’s a classic. It’s been whispered in practitioner circles like a campfire ghost story: “Beware! Facebook will banish you if you even think about weight loss!” Spoiler alert: Not true.

Here’s the deal. Meta doesn’t hate weight loss ads - it just doesn’t want ads that make people feel bad about themselves. Fair enough, right? That means no before-and-after photos, no “Get ripped in 10 days!” nonsense, no claims that someone will lose a certain amount of weight in a certain amount of time, and no shaming people into thinking they need to change their bodies to be loved.

One of the most effective (and totally Meta-compliant) ways to advertise your weight loss program is by sharing testimonials or case studies. Real stories resonate with people - especially when they feel genuine, relatable, and uplifting. You can use your own story if it’s relevant, or a client’s success story. 

Here’s an example of how you can write a testimonial ad:

“I was so tired of my clothes not fitting me! Every program I tried before felt impossible to stick with - it was all ‘cut this out,’ ‘avoid that,’ and honestly, it just made me feel worse about myself.

This program was different. I didn’t have to overhaul my entire life overnight or give up the foods I love. Instead, I learned how to make small, doable changes that actually fit into my day.

Now, I wake up feeling energized, I’m less stressed about food, and I’ve even found a workout routine I actually enjoy (never thought I’d say that!). I finally feel like I’m taking care of myself, and it feels good.”

Want the system that helped Sally achieve this? Join the free webinar coming up….

Testimonials work so well because they’re relatable, and they build trust. People want to know that you can help them and that your program works. You’re also showing them what’s possible and that’s enticing! 

Myth #2: “You Can’t Use the Word ‘You’”

Ah, the infamous “You Myth.” Somewhere along the line, someone decided “you” was the Voldemort of ad copy. But here’s the truth: you absolutely can use ‘you.’ In fact, you should! Talking directly to your audience makes your ads feel personal and relatable.

What you can’t do is use “you” to single people out in a creepy or accusatory way or make them feel bad about themselves. For example:

  • Good: “Are you ready to feel your best?”
  • Bad: “Are you tired of looking in the mirror and hating what you see?”

Learn how to lose weight and gain energy - even if you’ve tried all the diets and all the exercise routines… and even if your menopausal hormones are working against you! 

How to Capture Attention in a World Full of Noise 

Let’s be honest: People scrolling through their feeds have the attention span of a goldfish. If you want your ad to stand out, you’ve got to grab their attention - and fast.

A Dash of Humor Goes a Long Way

Want to really stand out? Don’t be afraid to show a little personality. Your audience is tired of boring, cookie-cutter ads - they’ll love it if you can make them laugh. For example:

Want to feel amazing without giving up dessert? (Same!) Our free webinar shows you how to create a healthier, leaner lifestyle without saying goodbye to your favourite foods. Because life’s too short to only eat salads!

Talk About Why Your Method Is Different

Your audience isn’t short of weight loss ideas. They even develop scroll-blindness against ads that they see a lot! Can you blame them for being sceptical? 

So how do you get their attention (in the 0.3 of a second that you have as they mosey on past your ad?) 

Be different! 

Try this style - you’ll see it’s advertising weight loss and has an extensive use of ‘you’ - yet it’s compliant and enticing. 

I bet you’ve seen it all.

The fad diets. The miracle pills. The “just eat lettuce and air” plans that promise you’ll drop 20 kilos in a week - and leave you hungry, frustrated, and right back where you started.

Here’s the thing: those programs don’t fail because of you. They fail because they’re not designed for real life.

That’s where we’re different.

Our method isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about YOU - your goals, your lifestyle, and what works for your unique journey.

Do you want:

✅ No more yo-yo dieting or all-or-nothing thinking, just small, practical changes that you can actually stick to.
✅ Personalisation: Your plan is tailored to YOU - because what works for someone else might not work for you.
✅ Freedom: Love chocolate? Keep it. Hate running? Skip it. This isn’t about restrictions - it’s about finding what makes YOU feel amazing.
✅ Results that Last: This isn’t a 30-day gimmick. It’s about helping you build habits that stay with you for life.

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what Amber, one of our clients, had to say:

"I’ve tried so many programs, but this one actually worked because it fit into my life. Now, I feel energized, confident, and finally in control of my health!"

So, are you ready to finally try something different - something that works?

👉 [Click here] to learn more about our program and start YOUR journey today.

Because you deserve a plan that’s as unique and powerful as you are. 💪

What’s stopping you from starting some ads right now?

Now you know that advertising weight loss on Meta is totally doable! And, it’s the fastest way to attract new clients to your business. 

Do you need help getting started with ads or getting your ads working? 

In the Virtual Practitioner Academy we help health and wellness practitioners and coaches just like you to attract new clients, grow their email list, get people registered on their webinars, and sell their programs, all using just $5-$10 a day for ads! 

You get training AND coaching - it’s the best of both worlds!

Check out the Academy here: https://www.thevirtualpractitioner.com/join-tvp-academy 

AND - If you want to be the first to hear about our new intensive done-with-you ads program starting in the Academy early next year where we can help you get your ads up and running and get new clients for just $5-10/day, get on the VIP list HERE