Management

Weight Loss Nonprescription Medications and Supplements

Editors: Fatima Cody Stanford MD, MPH, MPA, FAAP, FACP, FAHA, FTOS; Mala S. Sivanandy MD; Sarah R. Barenbaum MD; Alan Ehrlich MD, FAAFP

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Background Information

Description

  • Dietary supplements are used to supplement the diet to improve nutritional status. Some dietary supplements are reported to be associated with weight loss benefits for people with overweight or obesity, but evidence for their benefit is limited.
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  • The mechanisms of action for weight-reducing supplements may include improved carbohydrate metabolism, increased lipolysis or energy expenditure, and increased feelings of satiety.
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  • Weight loss supplements are available in capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and bars.
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  • The safety of weight loss supplements is not always known. Many are thought to be harmless, while others are associated with severe adverse effects, such as hepatic failure, if used in large doses.
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  • There is no evidence that any weight loss supplements marketed to consumers result in clinically meaningful weight loss. Supplements for weight loss should not be recommended to patients (AMA J Ethics 2022 May 1;24(5):E345).
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DynaMed Levels of Evidence

Quickly find and determine the quality of the evidence.

DynaMed provides easy-to-interpret Level of Evidence labels so users can quickly find and determine the quality of the best available evidence. Evidence may be labeled in one of three levels:

1Level 1 (likely reliable) Evidence
Representing research results addressing clinical outcomes and meeting an extensive set of quality criteria which minimizes bias.
There are two types of conclusions which can earn a Level 1 label: levels of evidence for conclusions derived from individual studies and levels of evidence for conclusions regarding a body of evidence.
2Level 2 (mid-level) Evidence
Representing research results addressing clinical outcomes, and using some method of scientific investigation, but not meeting the quality criteria to achieve Level 1 evidence labeling.
3Level 3 (lacking direct) Evidence
Representing reports that are not based on scientific analysis of clinical outcomes. Examples include case series, case reports, expert opinion, and conclusions extrapolated indirectly from scientific studies.

Grades of Recommendation

Guideline producers are now frequently using classification approaches for their evidence and recommendations, and these classifications are recognized and requested by guideline users. When summarizing guideline recommendations for DynaMed users, the DynaMed Editors are using the guideline-specific classifications and providing guideline classification approach when this is done.

Download the full version of Levels of Evidence