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

Buthaina  Alkhatib; Lana  Agraib; Hanan  Hasan; Dana Maher  Qasrawi; Alaa  Al-Shorman

doi:10.18502/ijph.v52i7.13240

Buthaina Alkhatib Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
Lana Agraib Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Jerash University, Jerash, Jordan
Hanan Hasan The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Dana Maher Qasrawi Jordan University Hospital, Internal Medicine Resident, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Alaa Al-Shorman Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v52i7.13240

Keywords: Herbs; Overweight; Obesity; Weight loss practices; Jordan

Abstract

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, P=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 (P=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%) (P=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.