Concomitant use of allopathic medicine and herbal products for weight-loss among people with overweight or obesity from Central Mexico

Abstract

This study evaluated the prevalence of concomitant use of herbal products for weight loss (HPWL) and allopathic medicine. Factors associated with the prevalence, adverse reactions, and the alteration of medication adherence with the concomitant use of HPWL alone and in combination with allopathic medicine, were assessed. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional using a questionnaire conducted among people with overweight or obesity (n=662) from five cities of Central Mexico. Adherence to medications was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The prevalence of adverse reactions induced by the concomitant use of HPWL, and allopathic medicine was 25.3%. The use of HPWL affected medication adherence by 68%. There is a high prevalence (45.2%) of concomitant use of HPWL and allopathic medicine in people with overweight or obesity in Central Mexico. The concomitant use of HPWL and allopathic medicine induces adverse reactions, mainly gastrointestinal, and thus, medication adherence is affected.