LAST NIGHT’S Super Bowl LX was nothing short of spectacular, featuring the Seattle Seahawks’ commanding defense against the New England Patriots. Green Day and Bad Bunny electrified the audience, with Bad Bunny delivering a compelling message of unity. No Super Bowl experience would be complete without a lineup of eye-catching commercials.
This year’s ads resonated with the current cultural landscape, showcasing a variety of health and longevity initiatives from GLP-1 companies, telehealth platforms, and even the Make America Healthy Again movement. While some advertisements were clever, others sparked skepticism. To dive deeper into these health messages, we consulted experts to evaluate the accuracy and implications of the claims made.
The Mike Tyson “Eat Real Food” Commercial
Former boxing champion Mike Tyson appeared in a striking black-and-white advertisement sponsored by the MAHA Center, led by one of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s allies, Tony Lyons. Tyson mournfully reflects on the death of his 25-year-old sister due to obesity-related issues, branding himself as “fat and nasty.” He humorously recalls consuming “a quart of ice cream every hour,” before proclaiming that America has the “most obese, fudgey people.” The ad emphasizes phrases such as “processed foods kill” and “eat real food,” concluding with a government website link for further information.
“The Tyson ad effectively raises awareness about the dangers of excessive processed food consumption,” remarks Mir Ali, MD, a specialist in bariatric medicine and medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center.
Conversely, MH‘s nutrition advisor, Abby Langer, RD, had a more critical view, describing the ad in one word: “Yikes.” She criticized it for its fat-shaming undertones while ignoring broader social determinants of health influenced by government policies, such as cuts to SNAP benefits.
Dezi Abeyta, RDN, another advisor from MH, expressed support for the ad’s emphasis on real food but echoed Langer’s concerns about the inaccessibility of whole-food options for many. “Access to healthy food is a significant issue,” he argues. “Before vilifying people’s diets, we should first examine what is available to them and how mental health support could be a solution rather than invoking shame.”
He emphasizes, “It’s more about access than willpower. For many, processed food is their only choice.” A mention of therapy could have enhanced the ad’s message on health, he notes.
The GLP-1 Advertisements
Multiple prominent companies in the GLP-1 sector took advantage of the Super Bowl airwaves this year. Telehealth platform Ro, featuring tennis star Serena Williams, showcased her impressive 34-pound weight loss attributed to a GLP-1 she accessed through their service. Williams also noted improvements in her heart health and cholesterol levels. Additionally, Novo Nordisk collaborated with DJ Khaled and comedian Kenan Thompson to highlight the recently FDA-approved Wegovy pill.
Abeyta notes that the transition to an oral GLP-1 signifies a pivotal moment for accessibility. However, he cautions that they are not a magic solution. “A balanced diet, strength training, and mental wellness are crucial. Without these, any weight lost may not be beneficial in the long run. These medications can be effective, but only when integrated into a comprehensive lifestyle approach.”
Robert Glatter, MD, an assistant professor of emergency medicine, emphasizes the lack of attention to potential downsides of these drugs. He explains that prolonged use can lead to muscle loss if individuals remain inactive. “Many discontinue GLP-1s due to side effects, and these advertisements overlook that reality.”
“The Thompson ad effectively highlights the printable option for semaglutide, though it doesn’t mention that pills tend to be less effective than injections and that insurance coverage remains uncertain,” adds Dr. Ali.
The Him & Hers Longevity Commercial
Narrated by rapper and actor Common, the Hims & Hers advertisement boldly asserts that wealth equates to longer life. The visuals depict affluent individuals undergoing various anti-aging treatments and therapies, claiming that “money buys more than material goods; it buys time.” The company aims to tackle health disparities by offering GLP-1 access, hormone therapies, and diagnostic testing.
However, the mention of the Galleri blood test for cancer detection raised some eyebrows. Men’s Health recently reported on the potential for false positives with such tests, and Dr. Glatter cautions against using these tests as substitutes for traditional cancer screenings.
“The Galleri blood test has modest sensitivity for cancer detection, with its effectiveness heavily influenced by the cancer’s stage,” Dr. Glatter explains, warning that the test might miss many early-stage cancers that are vital for effective intervention.
Beyond the questionable Galleri test, Langer critiques the overall message of the ad: “Once again, Hims has misstepped with a Super Bowl ad that promotes private services in a country where countless individuals struggle to access basic healthcare.”
William Shatner’s Raisin Bran Commercial
Ninety-four-year-old William Shatner graced the screen, not as Captain Kirk but as himself in a Kellogg’s ad promoting fiber intake. In this humorous spot, he tosses Raisin Bran to surprised onlookers while advocating for the importance of dietary fiber, tapping into the current fibermaxxing trend.
“Most fiber-enriched products utilize functional fibers such as inulin, polydextrose, and psyllium to enhance fiber content,” Langer explains. “While they can supplement fiber intake, they shouldn’t replace the natural sources of dietary fiber. It’s important to focus on incorporating whole, naturally fiber-rich foods into one’s diet.”
She also cautions that “ultra-processed foods are still ultra-processed, and merely adding fiber doesn’t equal the nutritional integrity of whole foods.”
Sofía Vergara and Octavia Spencer on the uACR Test
In a Boehringer Ingelheim ad, actresses Sofía Vergara and Octavia Spencer emphasize the importance of recognizing early warning signals from the body, focusing on the kidneys and their connection to heart health. The ad encourages viewers to consult doctors about the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR) test.
Brad Rovin, MD, chief of nephrology at OSU Wexner Medical Center, notes that he frequently orders uACR tests. “Abnormal values can indicate that patients are at risk of progressive kidney function decline and cardiovascular complications.”
He adds that such simple screenings are vital for high-risk patients, helping them understand that elevated albumin in urine can signify potential health issues related to kidney function and heart health. Utilizing the Super Bowl platform allows for greater awareness among a broad audience.
Novartis’s PSA Blood Test Advertisement
In a humorous commercial, Novartis showcased tight ends enjoying leisure activities, reinforcing the message that relaxation is achievable thanks to prostate cancer screening. The ad promotes the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, with prostate cancer survivor and Super Bowl-winning coach Bruce Arians emphasizing the need for awareness among men, as 1 in 8 will face a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Garrett Pohlman, MD, a urologist, describes the PSA as a “check engine light” for prostate health, indicating elevated levels but not detailing the exact issues. Richard Levin, MD, another urologist, cautioned that elevated PSA levels signal abnormalities, which could range from benign to cancerous conditions.
The Implications of These Health Ads
Dr. Rovin notes that the U.S. healthcare system tends to be reactive, often addressing health issues only when they become severe or costly. “Highlighting health concerns during a major event like the Super Bowl may help shift the narrative toward proactive health management.”
Dr. Glatter observes that the surge in these adverts reflects the growing interest in longevity but warns against focusing solely on products that promise extended youth. “The proven methods for enhancing life quality remain underrated—such as avoiding smoking, reducing ultra-processed food consumption, fostering genuine relationships, and prioritizing nutritious whole foods.”
“This represents our contemporary reality. Often, we overlook the core problems while excessively promoting products and initiatives that fail to address the needs of those most in need of health support,” Langer asserts.
On a brighter note, Abeyta perceives this moment as a cultural shift where individuals take charge of their health. “That’s a positive development. However, to advance this dialogue, it’s crucial to focus on systemic support rather than merely on brands or products. We need to confront the underlying barriers to health equity and literacy that will truly make a difference.”
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, MS is the associate health and fitness editor at Men’s Health, having previously contributed to CNN, Scientific American, Popular Science, and National Geographic. In her spare time, she practices circus arts and aspires to perfect her pull-up.
