A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that a significant number of adolescents, particularly girls, are using over-the-counter weight loss products, with diet pills being the most prevalent. However, experts warn of the potential risks, including harmful health consequences, habit-forming tendencies, and emotional tolls. Parents are advised to watch for signs of over-the-counter medication use, model positive behaviors around weight, and engage in open and empathetic conversations with their children, while also involving medical professionals if weight concerns arise.
The FDA has issued a warning about certain botanical weight loss products, specifically Nuez da la India, which contain toxic yellow oleander. Ingesting yellow oleander can lead to serious complications. One person has already been hospitalized in Maryland after taking these products. The FDA advises consumers to stop using them and consult with a physician. Additionally, health experts have raised concerns about berberine, a plant-derived supplement that has gained popularity on social media as a natural weight loss alternative to Ozempic. While berberine has shown potential health benefits, its connection to weight loss is still uncertain, and researchers emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes for achieving weight loss goals.
