Awareness Toward Weight Loss Products Among Users In Tikrit City: A Cross Sectional Study
Keywords:
Awareness, Prevalence, weight loss productsAbstract
Background: Obesity is an excess body weight that leads to most chronic diseases. Obesity-related conditions are expected to rise globally. Weight-loss products are typically classified according to their mechanism of action into fat absorption inhibitors, appetite suppressants, and thermo-genic agents. The weight loss products become a concern because of the widespread and irrational use of weight-loss products and the continued rise in obesity rates and product use among adults.
Objectives: The aim of this research is to assess the awareness of weight loss products among users in Tikrit City.
Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed, involving a non-probability (purposive) sampling technique to collect data from 400 participants at Tikrit Teaching Hospital , surgical clinics and gyms the distribution of men and women in Tikrit city who use the weight loss. Data were gathered through a "structured questionnaire" specifically developed to measure Awareness, attitudes and prevalence of weight loss products. The sample size was determined based on convenience sampling technique based on feasibility, accessibility, and participants’ willingness to participate during the study period to ensure adequate representation of the target population.
Results: The analysis indicated that half of participants (50%) demonstrated a “Moderate” level of awareness about use of weight-loss products, and 42.5% demonstrated a “High” level, while only 7.5% demonstrated a “Low” level of awareness
Conclusions: The results indicate that over fifty percent of the participants exhibit a moderate level of awareness. Participants demonstrated a modest understanding of weight-loss drugs; nevertheless, this awareness is inadequate when compared to their minimal perception of the associated hazards. The participants were motivated to use weight-loss drugs to enhance their looks, boost self-confidence, and address obesity-related health issues.
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