Use of Weight Loss Supplements According to the Purported Mechanisms of Action Among Polish Adults Living in an Obesogenic Environment: The Role of Sociodemographic and Health-Related Factors.

Background/

Objectives

Weight loss supplements (WLS) are popular dietary agents; however, their effectiveness is rarely supported by scientific-based evidence. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the types of WLS used among adult Poles in relation to sociodemographic factors, anthropometric indices, and physical activity (PA).

Methods

The study was conducted among 1071 adults aged 19-80 years in Świętochłowice, a region in Poland with a high rate of overweightness and obesity. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hips ratio, and weight-to-height ratio were calculated. Fat mass percentage was assessed. Data on PA level and the use of WLS were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire.

Results

Nearly 70% respondents declared consumption of WLS, including 486 females and 259 males. Among WLS consumers, 43.4% had normal BMI, and 6.3% were underweight. The most popular WLS were supplements aiming at enhancing thermogenesis (38.0% of WLS consumers), followed by WLS decreasing appetite (15.0%) and blocking dietary fat absorption (13.0%). Sociodemographic factors (sex, age, marital status, education and financial status) were strong determinants of using particular types of WLS. Mean values of anthropometric indices and PA level were different among consumers of various WLS.

Conclusions

WLS use was common, including among individuals without overweightness/obesity, or cardiometabolic risk. Extensive educational programs and legislation are essential to promote justified, rational, effective, and safe methods for reducing excessive body mass.