The Use of Herbs, Dietary Products, and Different Types of Diet for Weight Loss Purposes

Background: Obesity is a global pandemic health problem. Attempting weight reduction, excess weight people commonly seek herbal products in addition to claim diets. We aimed to assess the prevalence of consuming herbal and dietary products for weight loss purposes and to assess weight reduction attitudes and beliefs among a group of excess-weight adults in Jordan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 477 Jordanian adults (81.6% females), between Feb-Apr/2021. The study data collection was completed by using a validated online structured questionnaire.

Results: 28.9% of the male participants reported that the most common source of diets they followed was by themselves (43.2%) and by dietitians (25%). Whereas female participants followed the weight reduction diets prescribed by dietitians, by themselves, and on the internet (31.1%; 26.5%, and 23.7; respectively, =0.011). The majority of participants from both genders do not believe in using weight reduction herbs alone for losing weight; it must be done along with diet and exercise (=0.018). Females who use herbs for weight reduction were more than males. In addition, green tea was the most used herb by all participants (8%). The main advisor for using weight reduction herbs and dietary products in females was the internet (30.1%) followed by their own (24.2%). However, in males, it was by their own (21.6%), then by a dietitian (12.6%), and by the internet (12.5%) (=0.001). Moreover, a quarter of male participants and 21.6% of females did not feel that using herbs to lose weight was efficient.

Conclusion: The excess weight adults in Jordan seek to use diet, herbs, and dietary products for weight reduction, advised by unreliable sources. Although the majority are convinced that it is not effective alone, further studies are needed to assess the side effects and safety of such consumption among the population.