Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and weight-reduction products (WRPs). This was a cross-sectional study and obese people of Aseer region were selected as study subjects. A total 404 persons, 290 (71.8%) males and 114 (28.2%) females were recruited. A pretested questionnaire was distributed among study participants, randomly selected for this questionnaire study. P value was calculated by using chi-square test and P < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant. Negative perception was noticed among participants regarding use of non-prescribed WRPs. The majority of participants (n = 343, 85%, P > 0.05) was noticed of the view that use of non-prescribed WRPs needs no consultation of a physician, whereas 56% (n = 226, P > 0.05) thought that side-effects would not be elicited from such products. This investigation showed that overweight and obese participants tended to use more WRPs than people of normal weight or underweight. A community based awareness program is essential and critical to explain the positive and adverse effects of WRPs.