What is the Origin of Wellness Claims?

This term is a construct of regulatory and consumer protection law, necessitated by the proliferation of non-medical products and services marketed for self-improvement and preventative health. The regulatory distinction between "wellness" and "medical" claims dictates the level of evidence and oversight required.

What is the Mechanism of Wellness Claims?

The mechanism by which a wellness claim operates is purely communicative and market-driven, relying on the persuasive power of language to connect a product's function to a consumer's subjective desire for improved well-being. Clinically, the underlying physiological mechanism of the product itself must be scientifically valid, even if the claim is phrased broadly to comply with regulatory limitations that prohibit disease-treatment language.

Wellness Claims ∞ Area

Wellness Claims

Meaning

Any statement or representation made by a product, service, or program, particularly in the health and beauty space, that suggests a positive effect on the general health, appearance, or non-disease-related physical and mental well-being of the consumer. These claims often relate to concepts like improved energy, better sleep quality, enhanced vitality, or aesthetic benefits, and they must be carefully scrutinized for scientific substantiation and regulatory compliance. They differ legally from claims that explicitly diagnose, treat, or cure a disease.