A South London hospital trust has issued a warning after fake videos purporting to feature its staff endorsing weight loss products went viral online. The Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust has spoken out after videos appeared on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, falsely claiming that several of its clinicians are using and promoting these products. The videos, which show AI-generated doctors applying weight loss patches and experiencing weight loss, do not feature any actual doctors from the trust. The trust's deputy chief medical officer, Dr. Daghni Rajasingam, has urged the public to be cautious and seek health advice on weight loss from trusted NHS sources. She emphasized that NHS clinicians would never endorse or promote commercial products. Graham Barrows, a financial crime expert, has also weighed in, calling the videos and social media accounts sharing them 'baloney'. He attributed the creation of these videos to the potential for financial gain, as the advertised product is available on reputable online marketplaces. Barrows highlighted the use of AI-generated images and the potential for emotional manipulation in these scams, urging viewers to perform basic checks before making any purchases. The trust has advised anyone who comes across these videos to report them to the social media platforms where they are being shared. This incident serves as a reminder to be vigilant and critical of online content, especially when it comes to health-related claims.
