Weight-Loss Supplement Use as a Potential Trigger for Mood Changes Among College Students

Abstract

ObjectivesWeight loss supplements (WLS) are commonly used among college students. Although these supplements work through different mechanisms, many of them are sympathomimetic that may impact mental wellbeing. College students are inherently at risk of mental distress; therefore, use of these stimulants may exacerbate their response to stress and increase their risk of anxiety and depression. The purpose of the present study was to assess the pattern of use and perception of WLS among college students, and its association with reported mental distress symptoms. MethodsData were collected through an online questionnaire targeting US college students through social media platforms. A parallel study took place at an institution of higher education in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country where college students commonly use WLS. The questionnaire included demographic questions such as gender, age, self-reported height and weight, hours of sleep, frequency of exercise, class, major and GPA. It also included questions on frequency of dieting, weight loss supplement use, perception, and symptoms associated with use. ResultsA total of 583 college students completed the survey. Random Forest Analysis produced a model of 0.98% accuracy with AUC = 0.993, which classified weight loss supplements as the most significant factor associated with mood changes in college students followed by academic class, exercise, GPA, gender, sleep, age and major. To confirm the directionality of these associations, a logistic regression analysis suggested that WLS strongly associated with symptoms of mood changes, followed by a low GPA and being a female. Conversely, upperclassmen, good sleep quality, being 23 years or older, and non- science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors inversely correlated with mood changes. A principal component analysis suggested a pattern for frequent dieting, weight loss supplement use and heavy exercise among men, and a pattern of frequent dieting, combining WLS, low quality sleep and no exercise among women. ConclusionsUse of WLS among college students may be worsening their psychological status. In addition, there is a differential pattern of use among men and women that is worth further investigation. Funding SourcesExperiment.com.