Availability and composition of weight‐loss supplements in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Aim The present study aims to investigate the composition and availability of weight‐loss supplements in Sri Lanka and explore the evidence for their effectiveness. Methods Data were collected by visiting drug stores, searching the Internet for websites and referring to advertisements in national newspapers and magazines from August to October 2017. Results A total of 100 weight‐loss products were identified of which the majority (n = 57) were available from drug stores. Most commonly, products were available in capsule form (36.0%). The number of active ingredients in products varied from 1 to a maximum of 22 with a total of 155 different active ingredients distinguished. The ingredients mainly originated from plants (77.4%) while green tea (Camellia sinensis), garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) and caffeine anhydrous were the three most common. At least one of the top 10 ingredients was included in 75 of the products sourced. Directions for use were specified in only 72 products, while a further 6 products lacked any information on ingredients. Literature predicted positive weight‐loss effects for green tea and ginger while garcinia was reported for both positive and negative effects. Conclusions The ingredients are reported to have both beneficial and adverse effects. Many consumers may find it challenging to make informed purchase decisions as a number of products failed to provide adequate nutritional information and safety measures. Government regulatory authorities should pay closer attention to the availability and provision of products sold to the general public.

Anti-Obesity and Gut Microbiota Modulation Effect of Secoiridoid-Enriched Extract from Fraxinus mandshurica Seeds on High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

“…Obesity and overweight are major contributors to the global burden of chronic diseases and complications [ 44 ]. Thus, edible and medicinal plants and their bioactive components helping people to fight the battle against obesity have been widely explored, such as the extracts of garcinia, green tea and white bean [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The present investigation showed that F. mandshurica seed extract containing secoiridoids reduced body weight and lipid levels in serum and liver, alleviated liver and kidney damage and regulated the gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.…”

“…However, several clinical and epidemic studies have shown that maintaining long-term lifestyle modification is a great challenge to obese patients [ 11 ]. Pharmacotherapy can provide an easy way to accelerate weight loss, hence natural supplements derived from plants or synthetic chemicals have become a better choice for obesity treatment [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

Global challenges and opportunities for dietitians

“…This highlights the continual search by those seeking weight loss for a ‘magic bullet’ that will resolve the problem with minimal changes to other facets of their lives. The article is a timely reminder that dietitian‐nutritionists need to understand the types of supplements on the market, the claims they are making and the potential for adverse effects . Claims were not monitored, and given their broad availability, strengthening the global regulatory framework around their distribution and marketing needs to be prioritised in order to protect the public.…”

Awareness on the possible adverse effects of Garcinia cambogia: A scientific approach

“…77, [112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120] None the less, many herbal based companies are having preparations of G. cambogia that are currently on the global market. 76, [121][122][123] As a result of the immense hype of the weight-reducing potency of the nutraceutical, the adverse effects are going unnoticed and overlooked. The main aim of this review is therefore to educate the society by highlighting all possible adverse effects of the herbal drug by accessing all of the available research data's and clinical evidences.…”