Weight loss supplements in the Lebanese market : safety, efficacy and use

Abstract

Background – Increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity is a major worldwide problem associated with many metabolic abnormalities. Compliance is poor with lifestyle modifications required for losing weight and maintaining long-term weight loss. There are no highly efficacious and safe therapeutic drugs for weight-loss, and few medications are approved for long-term management of obesity. In recent years, the use of supplements for weight loss has steadily increased among US and European adults. Weight loss supplements are easily available without prescriptions and do not require strict regulations before being marketed with a misconception that they are innocuous. Because most supplements promote fast decrease in weight that results in the loss of muscle water and lean body mass, they may interact with medications, may be associated with life-threatening adverse reactions and abuse, they may be adulterated with drugs, have inappropriate formulations and they lack evidence of efficacy and safety, they create a potential risk to consumers. Little is known about their current use in Lebanon. Objectives – The objectives of this study are to identify supplements and drugs for weight loss in the Lebanese market; explore the knowledge and behaviors toward weight loss supplements; and to assess socioeconomic, health and lifestyle characteristics related to their use. Method – A total of 200 subjects recruited from a pharmacy in Mount Lebanon were interviewed. To evaluate the baseline cross-sectional relationship between two groups, users of weight loss supplements were considered the cases and subjects who never used them as controls. Results – Users of weight loss supplements were more likely to be female, aged 45 years or older, married, unemployed, with lower level of education, excess weight, smokers and to have hypothyroidism and positive SCOFF. Also they were more likely to have attempted to lose weight more than 4 times, to have followed a specific diet and to have used orlistat. Pharmacies were the most common source for obtaining weight loss supplements. Most users reported experiencing side effects. Conclusion – Extensive range of products for weight loss were identified. They are consumed extensively and without medical supervision and pose potential risks to consumers. Increased awareness should be provided to overweight and obese individuals about evidence-based weight loss strategies.