Views and use of over-the-counter weight loss products among the general public

This study aimed to gauge the use and perceptions of over the counter (prescription free) weight loss products and follows on from a co-study which showed the wide availability of such products from pharmacies, health food shops and supermarkets. A convenience sample of 469 adults was recruited in the NW of England which included males and females and individuals from a wide cross-section of socio-economic circumstances. Most of the respondents (71.6%) had tried to lose weight at some time (especially the females) but health was not often given as the reason. Changing diet and exercise were the most common methods employed but 33.6% claimed to have used over the counter weight loss products (especially younger females). Most respondents reported regaining any weight lost and especially those using OTC weight loss products. Most of the users of these products thought them to be unsafe but used them to try to achieve rapid weight loss. Only two respondents claimed to have been weighed before being sold the products and 22 claimed to have been questioned about their health. OTC weight loss products are readily available and given credibility by being sold in pharmacies. The government's ideal of the informed consumer making rational choices to improve health is not supported by the behaviour and opinions of the consumers in this study.