Eating Disorders and OTC Weight-Loss Product Consumption in Adolescents

February 28, 2024

Featuring:
Anne Marie O'Melia, MS, MD, FAAP, CEDS-C

Dr. Anne Marie O'Melia is featured in this Psychiatric Times article about eating disorders and adolescent use of over-the-counter weight-loss products. The article discusses the psychological contributors to OTC weight-loss drug use; the increased use of GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic for weight-loss; strategies for early identification and intervention; and the connection between social media and adolescents with eating disorders.

A recent systemic review and meta-analysis explored the prevalence of consumption of over-the-counter (OTC) weight-loss products among adolescents.1 Psychiatric Times® sat down with Anne Marie O'Melia, MD, MS, FAAP, CEDS-S, of the Eating Recovery Center to discuss this study, plus how clinicians can address OTC weight-loss product consumption and disordered eating in their adolescent patients.

Psychiatric Times: New research shows that nearly 1 in 10 adolescents have used non-prescription weight-loss products.1 What psychological factors do you believe contribute to the popularity of these drugs among adolescents?

Anne Marie O'Melia, MD, MS, FAAP, CEDS-S: These are risky behaviors. We know that kids who are engaged in dieting behaviors and who are using OTC weight-loss products are at higher risk of developing eating disorders. And these kids are particularly vulnerable to influences that promote unrealistic beauty standards from their peer groups, their family system, and from media or social media.

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