مؤسسة الشرق الأوسط للنشر العلمي
عادةً ما يتم الرد في غضون خمس دقائق
Introduction: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity is one of the most challenging and concerning global health issues. This study aims to investigate knowledge, awareness and use of herbal supplements for weight loss in various segments of Syrian society according to gender, age and education.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was structured by Angela-Ruskin university, and distributed online between17 February and 21 April 2021. The questionnaire consisted of series of questions about sociodemographic background as well as about their usage of herbal products and weight loss pills.
Results: 21.1% Of participants stated they used herbal supplements. More than half of them consumed licensed products and 21.5% took these products randomly. A surprising 45% admitted they did not consult a doctor prior to taking these products if they were pregnant or breastfeeding. 50.8% regained their lost weight when discontinuing herbal slimming supplements. Community pharmacists were the most important source of information (31.2%). Most participants did not originally complain of obesity and did not want to lose weight, 10.5 % of them feared their side effects.
Conclusions: The study highlights the need for further investment in public health education, especially with regard to pregnant and lactating women, to understand the importance of seeking a medical advice before taking supplements. The effectiveness of these supplements in weight loss should not be exaggerated on social media, and their use without a medical supervision should not be encouraged. Our study emphasizes the need to enforce the laws regarding manufacture, distribution, marketing and dispensing such medicines.