A reminder about weight loss products

As we move into the new year, you may notice an increase in advertisements promoting weight-loss products.

Australians spend millions of dollars on weight loss supplements and medicines every year. Even though these products claim they can help you lose weight, there is currently little evidence that they help with long term weight loss.

If you decide to use a weight-loss supplement or medicine, choose one with an AUST L or AUST R number on the label. The AUST number gives consumers and health professionals confidence that the medicine has been approved (registered or listed) by the TGA for supply in Australia.

Products purchased online that do not have an AUST L or AUST R on the label may not be approved for supply in Australia. They may also contain hidden or harmful ingredients or come from dodgy facilities without any quality controls.

Before you take a weight loss supplement or medicine, consult your doctor. Some ingredients in these products may be harmful. Your doctor can help you determine which weight loss strategy is best for you.

In summary, before you buy a weight loss product, you should:

• talk to your doctor
• look for the AUST L or AUST R number
• beware of buying weight-loss supplements or medicines from unknown sources

If you want to know more, the TGA has developed comprehensive information on weight-loss products and what to be aware of.

Read more at Weight loss products.