ABSTRACT
Dietary supplements marketed for weight management––like all dietary supplements––are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the umbrella of foods. Therefore, supplement manufacturers do not have to prove to the FDA that their products are effective or safe. Dietary supplements used for weight management are popular products, yet most have not been thoroughly studied. At best, these products might have modest effects on body weight or body fat that are of debatable clinical significance. In addition, some ingredients in weight management supplements have been associated with adverse effects such as liver damage and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Furthermore, weight management supplements, along with supplements promoted for sexual enhancement or bodybuilding, are more likely to have quality issues, including the possibility of adulteration. Due to possible adverse interactions with medications, clinicians should ask patients about dietary supplement use, including any supplements marketed as “fat burners,” “weight control” formulas, or similar terms, and refer them to evidence-based sources of information. In addition, any adverse effects that might be associated with weight management dietary supplements should be reported to the Federal government so that appropriate action can be taken.
