Self-treatment with herbal products for weight-loss among overweight and obese subjects from central Mexico.

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mexico ranks second in the world for obesity prevalence. In Mexico, obese and overweight subjects commonly seek alternative treatments for weight-loss, including the use of herbal products. AIM OF THE STUDY The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with herbal products for weight-loss among overweight and obese subjects residing in four states (Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, State of Mexico, and Mexico City) from central Mexico. In addition, the factors related to self-medication among patients were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1404 overweight and obese subjects were interviewed. A chi-square test examined associations between socio-demographic and socio-economic information, and self-medication with herbal products for weight-loss. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-medication was 42.9% among the participants who used herbal products for weight-loss. The female gender was the strongest factor (OR 2.20 (1.75-2.77) associated with self-medication for weight-loss, followed by a low educational level (elementary and middle school) [OR 1.80 (1.31-2.44)], and a middle-socioeconomic status [OR 1.75 (1.21-2.52)]. The main herbal products used for weight-loss were based on i) green tea, Camellia sinensis (12.7% of frequency), ii) aceitilla, Bidens odorata (6.6%), and iii) soybean, Glycine max (5.3%). In addition, 65% of the respondents considered herbal products ineffective for weight-loss after 6 months of use. CONCLUSION: Due to the high incidence of overweight and obesity in Mexico, there is a high prevalence (42.9%) of self-medication using natural products for weight-loss, particularly in women from Central Mexico. This study indicates the important need to educate patients about the harmful effects of consuming these products.