What are the Opinions, Attitudes, and Knowledge About Weight Loss

Supplements in a College-Aged Population?

Lindsey Bracken, Hailee Holmes, Rachel Pearson, and Matt Schmidt

Introduction Results Discussion

In the United States, the prevalence of obesity from 2011 to 2014 was • 84.7% of the total population indicated that they have never taken a The majority of the population had not taken a weight loss supplement;
over 36% in adults and 17% in adolescents (1&2). Sixty-seven percent weight loss supplement. however, for those who had taken a supplement the most commonly
of obese Americans are trying to lose weight (3). Healthy lifestyle • When asked, “Have you ever considered taking a weight loss used included coconut oil, green tea extract, and bitter orange. With
changes are recommended for maintainable weight-loss yet due to the supplement?”, 39.7 % replied they have. this in mind, 67.6% indicated that if they were obese, weight loss
difficulty of such modifications, dietary supplements claiming to promote • 67.6% indicated that if they were obese, they would consider taking a supplement usage would be considered. Many participants believed
weight loss have sparked the interest of many dieters. In fact, it is weight loss supplement. that an endorsement from a doctor indicated that a supplement was
estimated that 15.2% of adults have used a weight loss supplement (4). • 35% would recommend a weight loss supplement to a friend or safe and effective. Most participants marked that they would recognize
Americans spend about $2 billion dollars each year on weight-loss family member trying to lose weight. a supplement as safe and effective if the FDA symbol was on it. The
supplements in pill form (3). Manufacturers market these products by • Subjects were asked to identify common weight loss FDA does not prove the safety and effectiveness of supplements before
claiming their supplements may enhance weight loss in ways such as supplements/ingredients and usage. reaching the market. It should be noted that it is required by law to
reducing macronutrient absorption, appetite, body fat percentage, or by • Table 1. Represents the results. include the following FDA statement on supplements: “These
increasing metabolism (3). Despite the convincing claims often made • A series of opinion based questions were asked on the safety and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
on labels of supplement bottles, Federal law does not require the FDA effectiveness of weight loss supplements. The options for each of the Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat,
to prove dietary supplements safe and effective before reaching the questions were strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, and cure or prevent any disease.” Although this statement will appear on a
market (5). In addition, the law does not require the seller to prove the strongly agree. The following questions/statements were asked; the supplement, the FDA symbol does not. When shown eight symbols,
claims accurate or truthful before appearing in stores or online (5). Due number that follows shows the percentage of participants that agreed most of which were unreliable or fictitious, 89.4% marked the FDA
to the prevalence of dietary weight-loss supplement use, this study was or strongly agreed: symbol, 46.1% selected an ETP or “Eat to Perform” symbol, and 45.8%
conducted to determine college-age students’ opinions and knowledge • Weight loss supplements help people lose weight. 35.6% selected the DSE “Dietary Supplement Experts” symbol. ETP is actually
about dietary weight-loss supplements. • Weight loss supplements are tested by clinical research studies the name of a blog that offers health advice while DSE is a company
before being sold. 13.2% that helps supplement companies meet label requirements. The data
• All supplements are regulated and approved by the FDA (Food suggests that participants indicated that if a symbol looked official, it
Research Questions and Drug Administration) for safety and effectiveness. 17.2% would likely indicate safety and effectiveness. Our results show that
1. What percent of college-aged students are taking or have taken • An endorsement from a doctor is an indication of a safe and college-aged participants did not have adequate knowledge to make
weight loss supplements? effective supplement. 47.8% informed decisions about weight loss supplements. Since many of the
2. What is the usage of common weight loss supplements/ingredients in • Does a “money-back guarantee” increase your confidence in participants had taken or considered a weight loss supplement without
this population? purchasing a supplement? 21.2% sufficient knowledge, future education on this topic is necessary to
3. What are the opinions, attitudes, and knowledge about weight loss • When asked, which symbol(s) on a supplement would provide increase awareness about the safety and effectiveness of weight loss
supplements? indication that the supplement is safe and effective? supplements.
• 89.4% selected the FDA symbol.
Methods
A 29 question survey was developed to assess the knowledge and Table 1:
attitudes of SUU students towards usage of weight loss supplements Name of Weight Loss Ingredient NH NU R F P
and belief in the effectiveness and safety weight loss supplements. Green tea (for weight loss) 1.6% 59.4% 17.5% 12.0% 9.6%
Research participants were given the survey at the beginning of their CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) 86.1% 10.7% 1.6% 0.4% 1.2%
scheduled class time. Participants were allotted approximately 20 Coconut Oil (for weight loss) 5.6% 58.7% 23.8% 7.5% 4.4%
minutes to complete the survey. Two hundred and fifty-two African Mango Extract 57.8% 39.4% 1.2% 1.2% 0.4%
undergraduate students completed the survey. There were 161 females Yohimbe 92.0% 6.0% 1.2% 0.4% 0.4%
and 91 males, mean age of 20.7 ± 4.8 years (range 18-61) who Garcinia Cambogia Extract 79.7% 15.9% 2.8% 0% 1.6%
participated. The majority of the population were Caucasians (79%). Bitter orange 46.8% 43.3% 6.7% 2.4% 0.8%
The mean BMI of the subjects was 24.8 ± 5.4. Raspberry ketones 61.0% 32.7% 4.8% 0.8% 0.8%
Green coffee bean extract 39.0% 49.4% 7.6% 1.2% 2.8%
Key for Table 1: Guarana 72.3% 15.7% 6.4% 1.6% 4.0%
NH: Never Heard of it NU: Never Used it R: Use Rarely Hoodia 92.4% 6.4% 0.8% 0.4% 0%
F: Use Frequently P: Used in the Past NH=Never Heard of NU=Never Used R=Rarely Used F=Frequently Used P=Past Use

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