THURS-097 - A Content Analysis of Marketing on the Packages of Diet and Weight Loss Teas

Brief Abstract Summary: Many Americans strive to lose weight, often turning to dietary supplements, which promise quick and easy results. Among these, diet and weight-loss teas are especially popular despite limited research on their safety and efficacy. Many are unaware that supplements, unlike over-the-counter drugs, are not pre-approved by the government for safety or effectiveness. In fact, half of Americans and 60% of college students mistakenly believe otherwise. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, these products are only loosely regulated. To highlight this gap, our team conducted a content analysis of the claims made on twelve diet and weight-loss teas available at three Asian grocery stores in Connecticut. This analysis examines marketing claims, disclaimers, and warnings to shed light on the unregulated nature of these products and suggests ways to improve health education and consumer awareness around such supplements.

Detailed abstract description: Surveys show that about half of Americans want to lose weight, but achieving this goal can be challenging. Many turn to dietary supplements marketed as quick, simple solutions for weight loss, and the misuse of these over-the-counter diet products is rising across diverse demographic groups. Among these products, diet and weight-loss teas are particularly popular but remain understudied in terms of safety and effectiveness. A significant portion of the public may not realize that these products are loosely regulated. In fact, around half of Americans and over 60% of college students mistakenly believe all dietary supplements require government approval for safety and efficacy, similar to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. However, most supplements, including weight-loss teas, are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, which requires only minimal oversight. The FDA only regulates a supplement as a drug if it explicitly claims to treat, prevent, or cure a disease.

Given the widespread availability of weight-loss teas and the limited research on their effects, we conducted a content analysis of their packaging claims to assess how they are marketed. Our team examined twelve weight-loss teas from three Asian grocery stores in Connecticut, analyzing claims about weight loss, safety, quality, and scientific evidence, along with warnings and FDA disclaimers. We included products located in weight-loss and muscle-building sections, selecting items that met the DSHEA definition of a dietary supplement, regardless of whether they displayed a Supplement Facts or Nutrition Facts panel.

This session at the 2025 SOPHE Conference is valuable for attendees interested in understanding the deceptive marketing tactics surrounding weight-loss teas and engaging in discussions about how health educators can inform the public. This session also encourages dialogue on the roles of health educators and public health professionals in raising awareness and advocating for responsible use of these products to prevent misuse.