Use of Nonprescription Weight Loss Products

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Abstract
Successful weight loss and healthy weight management depend on long-term lifestyle changes such as reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. However, because these changes are difficult, easily obtained nonprescription weight loss products and prescription diet pills are an appealing alternative to the increasingly overweight US population. It has been speculated that individuals may use nonprescription products and prescription pills in place of lifestyle changes.1 No population-based studies have examined the relationship between use of overall nonprescription weight loss products and use of prescription weight loss pills or lifestyle changes for weight loss. Usage patterns of specific nonprescription products (eg, phenylpropanolamine [PPA] and ephedra) are also of particular interest because of safety concerns.