Crackdown on Deceptive Weight Loss Drug Ads Marks Victory for Consumers

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – Justice delayed was justice denied to millions of Americans who have been exposed to a flood of deceptive advertising about the safety of the same weight loss drugs that the Food and Drug Administration warns are not approved and “could be risky for patients.”  Now, FDA is standing up for consumers by sending 100 cease-and-desist letters that tell online sellers of compounded GLP-1 drugs that it is a breach of FDA regulation to tout the benefits of the weight-loss drugs without any mention of side effects and to stop this “false or misleading” marketing.  

“Americans need a cop on the beat to protect them from the rampant disinformation now circulating online that causes consumers to tune out the advice of the FDA and leading medical societies and opt for drugs that may cause harm or could be fakes, says Nancy Glick, Director of Food and Nutrition Policy. The National Consumers League welcomes FDA’s commitment to monitor the content and claims of companies promoting GLP-1 weight loss medicines and other prescription drugs and to enforce prescription drug advertising regulations aggressively. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

MAHA report troubling and misleading for Americans says National Consumers League 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC —The National Consumers League (NCL) is concerned by the release of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report, a 69-page report masquerading as a public health strategy.    

“This report is a diagnosis without a treatment plan. It’s a muddled mix of cherry-picked, outdated, and misleading data designed to stoke fear, not solve problems,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL CEO. “It reads less like a roadmap for public health and more like a conspiracy manifesto in a lab coat.”     

On issues NCL has long championed – vaccines, food safety, and nutrition labeling – the MAHA report is troubling. It casts baseless doubt on vaccine safety, questions food regulations grounded in science, and floats vague, unworkable notions that would unravel decades of hard-won consumer protections.   

The report’s food safety claims are flawed, painting a grim picture of pesticide use in American agriculture—claims that have already sparked a backlash from farmers. A review by NOTUS found that several cited studies either don’t exist or were misrepresented, including one falsely attributed to a researcher. “You can’t call this ‘gold-standard science’ while relying on phantom studies,” said Greenberg. “This isn’t transparency—it’s recklessness.” Despite these red flags, the White House is pushing ahead, requesting $500 million to advance the report’s next phase.   

Americans deserve evidence-based policy, not scare tactics. We call on policymakers, scientists, and the public to recommit to a health system that is modern, science-driven, and focused on consumer safety. If this report is a roadmap, NCL is fearful of what the next phase could mean for Americans. Here at NCL, we agree that it is imperative to bolster public health and encourage cleaner food production and supply, but this report falls short.   

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

Trump budget proposal would dismantle core health programs          

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829       

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is raising serious concerns about the Trump administration’s proposal to cut the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget by more than 30%. This drastic move would gut essential public health protections, weaken food safety, and threaten scientific progress.    

“This budget is not a strategic approach to the reorganization of HHS; it is a slash-and-burn mentality for programs that everyday Americans rely on,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “Gutting vital agencies and drastically reducing funding for health care, research, and food safety will put millions of lives in danger—especially the most vulnerable. Especially following a mass layoff, these cuts appear extremely alarming and leave the functionality of programs like HRSA, CDC, FDA, and NIH up in the air.”         

Key proposed cuts include:   

  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): Proposed cuts would eliminate this agency, which supports Medicare, Medicaid, and vital rural and community health programs, leaving millions without essential healthcare.   
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH): A 40% budget reduction, from $47 billion to $27 billion, threatens crucial research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, while new funding caps could hinder innovation at universities and research centers.   
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Budget cuts would slash the CDC’s funding from $9.2 billion to $5.2 billion, eliminating domestic HIV prevention, chronic disease programs, and research on obesity and heart disease.   
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Shifting food safety oversight to state agencies without adequate resources could increase foodborne illness risks and erode public trust in food safety.   
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): The proposed budget would not only shift the remaining Administration of Community Living programs under CMS but would also move the Office of Pharmacy Affairs from HRSA, allowing CMS to regulate the 340B drug pricing program. 

The budget proposal comes in the wake of ongoing changes at HHS, including the recent dismissal of 10,000 employees. It comes as part of a larger effort to redefine the federal government’s role in healthcare and social services.      

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)        

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL sounds alarm over measles outbreak, calls for stronger immunization leadership

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC — As of this week, there are a total of 223 cases of measles in western Texas, and it is spreading to neighboring counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma. Yet, recently confirmed Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy is not actively pushing for Americans to get immunized. The National Consumers League (NCL) stands firmly on the side of science and evidence-based medicine.  In February, we expressed concern over his appointment, and now we are witnessing the significant risk to Americans’ health and well-being we previously stated.
“This spread of an extremely contagious virus should be a wakeup call to the American people and a stark reminder of the importance of immunization,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL CEO. “Decades ago, we saw a similar situation turn, polio, turn into an epidemic causing major disabilities and death to millions of Americans. We cannot go back. As a nation, our leaders and lawmakers should lead with facts, scientific data, and a commitment to public well-being.”
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL signs on to PBM Accountability Project letter advocating for transparency and cost savings in prescription drug pricing  

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is proud to announce its support for the PBM Accountability Project’s letter, which has been shared with the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee ahead of their hearing on February 26, 2025. The PBM Accountability Project calls for urgent reform of the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) industry to increase transparency, reduce prescription drug costs, and provide relief to consumers and patients across the nation.    

The National Consumers League has growing concerns about the anti-competitive, anti-consumer, and anti-patient practices of the largest PBMs, which have created an opaque system that inflates prescription drug prices. NCL stands firm with the signatories in urging the subcommittee to advance bipartisan legislation that addresses these harmful practices and restores fairness to the prescription drug marketplace.     

“Consumers deserve transparency and affordability in healthcare,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “PBMs have been driving up costs for everyday Americans and their families, often without consumers realizing the true price of their medications. NCL’s commitment to consumer protection means advocating for policies that rein in the practices of these middlemen and prioritize patients over corporate profits. We must act now to bring down drug prices and ensure every American has access to affordable medications.”   

Consumers need immediate action to curb the influence of PBMs, whose practices have been detrimental to both patients and community pharmacies. Key bipartisan reforms highlighted in the letter include measures such as delinking drug prices from PBM revenues, implementing fair pharmacy contract terms, and ensuring rebates are passed directly to patients. These reforms are essential to lowering drug costs and increasing access to vital medications.   

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL statement on the executive order establishing the president’s make America healthy again commission

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) acknowledges the intention behind the establishment of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission and supports efforts to address the growing concerns around chronic disease in America, particularly those impacting our children. We look forward to collaborating with the Commission to ensure that its findings and recommendations are rooted in rigorous, evidence-based science that reflects modern-day understanding and research.

NCL has significant concerns about certain aspects of the Executive Order (EO), particularly regarding the language used to describe conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The EO implies that these conditions are “diseases” in need of curing, which is a troubling and misleading characterization. It is critical to recognize that ASD and ADHD are not diseases but neurodevelopmental conditions that reflect the natural diversity of human experience. The increasing diagnoses of these conditions are a result of better understanding, especially regarding how they manifest in underrepresented populations such as women and people of color. Research has shown that earlier recognition and more accurate diagnostic criteria contribute to the rise in diagnoses, which should be seen as a step forward in providing appropriate support, not a societal crisis.

Additionally, NCL is concerned about the recent reports of over 5,000 federal employees being terminated from public health sectors and agencies. The lack of personnel and resources in these vital sectors threatens the effectiveness of our national health initiatives. It will significantly hinder the Commission’s ability to thoroughly investigate and address the complex health issues outlined in the EO. A robust, well-funded workforce is essential for producing meaningful, actionable findings that will benefit all Americans, and NCL urges the administration to prioritize the restoration of these critical positions.

“We applaud the intention behind the Make America Healthy Again Commission and look forward to working together to improve the health of all Americans,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “However, it is vital that the Commission’s findings are based on rigorous, science-backed research that considers the complexities of conditions like ASD and ADHD and does not frame them as issues to be ‘cured.’ It is crucial that we acknowledge the advances in understanding these conditions rather than perpetuate outdated and harmful narratives.”

We encourage the MAHA Commission to ensure its work is guided by the most up-to-date, peer-reviewed scientific evidence and to adopt policies that support, rather than stigmatize, individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. Only through such an approach can we make real progress in improving public health while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL applauds FDA approval of Journavx for acute pain relief, advancing non-opioid alternatives 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communication, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) applauds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approving Journavx, a pioneering non-opioid analgesic for treating moderate to severe acute pain in adults. This approval introduces a promising alternative to opioids in pain management, addressing the urgent need for safer treatments amid the ongoing opioid crisis.

According to the CDC there were an estimated 75,091 opioid overdose deaths in 2024. As the first drug in a new class of non-opioid analgesics, Journavx offers a critical option for patients needing pain relief without the risks associated with opioids.  This groundbreaking alternative works by targeting sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system, reducing pain signals before they reach the brain.

“The approval of Journavx is a significant step forward in providing consumers with safe, non-opioid alternatives for pain management,” said Sally Greenberg NCL CEO. “In the face of the opioid epidemic, the FDA’s decision gives us hope for a future where pain management can be effective and free of the risks that have harmed so many.”

The drug provides an important option for acute pain management, especially as the healthcare community looks for ways to reduce opioid dependency. To learn more about additional non-opioid alternatives listen to NCL’s We Can Do This! podcast episode, where we explore the future of pain management here.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL expresses concern over the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communication, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL), a long-time advocate for consumer health and safety, is disappointed with the Senate’s confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NCL has consistently supported science, evidence-based medicine, and public health and believes this appointment poses a significant risk to Americans’ health and well-being. Kennedy, who holds a law degree and has no medical training, is uniquely unqualified for this role.  

 “NCL stands firmly on the side of science and evidence-based medicine. We support policies that prioritize public health, protect consumers, and ensure the safety and efficacy of medical practices and treatments,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “With Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation, we are concerned that HHS leadership will be compromised by someone who has repeatedly ignored science and factual evidence in favor of misinformation.”   

 The Secretary of Health and Human Services must lead with facts, scientific data, and a commitment to public well-being.  By appointing Kennedy, who has a history of spreading baseless claims and promoting harmful misinformation, the confirmation undermines trust in the very healthcare system that is intended to protect the American public.   

“Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a twin danger to the nation’s health. Not only is he not a medical provider, but he promotes unproven alternative therapies with no scientific evidence of therapeutic benefits, which in turn could harm consumers,” said Greenberg.

The FDA currently mandates rigorous clinical trials before approving drugs as cures or designated for treating specific medical conditions. The FDA does not regulate supplements, a significant part of the wellness market; however, it oversees false health claims and products that pose health risks to consumers. NCL urges the medical establishment to closely monitor any unsafe products or therapies he may endorse.

NCL previously collaborated with HHS, the FDA, CDC, and NIH during the first Trump Administration and hopes to build on that foundation. For the sake of public health, we will hold him accountable for his promise to the Senate to support vaccines, medical research, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical advancements that have made HHS the gold standard for healthcare around the world.   

We also appreciate the thought behind Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again,” initiative which plans to address obesity and chronic diseases, promotes healthier food choices, prioritizes fresh, whole foods over processed options, and seeks to eliminate potential conflicts of interest in public health policies.    

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.  

NCL raises alarm over meat industry push to dismantle protections amid worker and environmental concerns 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is raising serious concerns over recent lobbying efforts by the Meat Institute, which is urging the Trump administration to roll back essential regulations designed to protect workers, the environment, and consumers in the meatpacking and factory farm industries. NCL’s concerns are heightened by disturbing reports of widespread hazardous child labor in the industry, including children working night shifts to clean factories with caustic chemicals.

In its letter to the White House, the Meat Institute is pushing for the elimination of critical protections such as the Clean Water Act, food safety regulations, and farmworker protections under the Packers and Stockyards Act. NCL is opposed to these efforts, warning that weakening these protections will lead to further exploitation of workers and unsafe food production practices.

“The history of the meat industry is a stark reminder of why these protections exist,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “The horrifying conditions Upton Sinclair exposed in The Jungle led to critical reforms such as the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906—laws that NCL championed that continue to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of our food supply. We cannot afford to go backward.”

The emergence of widespread child labor in the meatpacking industry, with children working in hazardous conditions, echoes the dark past that led to these crucial regulations. The Meat Institute’s push to dismantle regulations on food safety, water pollution, and worker protections will not only harm workers, but also put consumers at risk. Without these safeguards, the public could face unsafe food products, environmental damage, and the continued exploitation of vulnerable workers.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL joins 25+ advocacy organizations in opposing expansion of 340B drug pricing program in New York 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829   

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) joined over 25 patient and provider advocacy organizations in voicing strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the 340B Drug Pricing Program under NY Senate Bill 1913. The groups, which represent a broad coalition of patients, healthcare providers, and consumer advocates, assert that the 340B program, originally designed to support vulnerable populations, has instead become a profit-driven mechanism benefiting large hospital systems and middlemen—without delivering on its promises to the low-income individuals it was meant to help.  

“The 340B program was designed to help vulnerable patients, but it’s become a profit-driven system that benefits hospitals, not those in need,” said Samantha Sears, Health Policy Associate at NCL. “It’s time for policymakers to demand real accountability and transparency.” 

Without these changes, 340B will continue to drive up costs while failing to serve those who need it most. Rather than expanding a flawed and dysfunctional system, the coalition is urging state legislators to take meaningful action to reform 340B. They are calling for: 

  • Greater transparency on how 340B savings are reinvested into patient care. 
  • Direct benefits to lower drug costs for uninsured patients. 
  • A focus on expanding the program in truly underserved areas. 

The full letter is available here. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.