Use of herbal products for weight loss in Turkey

Bellikci Koyu E., Şarer Yürekli B. P., Seçkiner S., Özdemir N., Büyüktuncer Demirel Z.

PROGRESS IN NUTRITION, cilt.22, sa.3, ss.1-8, 2020 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 22 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2020
  • Dergi Adı: PROGRESS IN NUTRITION
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-8
  • Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Obesity treatment is a long-term challenge that requires a constant change in lifestyle and behav-

iors. Therefore, patients are usually interested in methods promising rapid weight loss. In this study, we aimed

to determine the frequency of herbal product use by overweight and obese individuals for weight manage-

ment. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 464 individuals admitted to an endocrinology clinic in a hos-

pital in Turkey. Socio-demographic status, medical history, and information about herbal product usage were

recorded by researchers using a data collection form. The percentage of participants using herbal products

for weight loss, was determined as 24.1% (n:112). Herbal product users were younger and had higher body

mass index compared to non-users (p<0.01, for each). Gender and marital status were also related to herbal

product use, and it was higher in women and singles (p<0.05, for each). The most preferred products were

mixed herbal teas (50.9%), green tea, parsley, and cinnamon. Herbalists (56.3%) and local markets (24.1%)

were the most popular places to buy herbal products. A large proportion of patients (88.4%) did not inform

health professionals about their herbal usage. Using herbal products for weight management is common

among overweight and obese individuals in Turkey. Therefore, it may be suggested that health professionals

should monitor the use of these products and patient-physician communication about herbal medicine should

be strengthened.