The Use of Nonprescription Weight Loss Products Among Female Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball Athletes from NCAA Division I Institutions: Issues and Concerns

Abstract

Objective: To identify and describe the use of nonprescription weight loss products among female basketball, softball, and volleyball players from NCAA Division I institutions and to address health and sports performance issues concerning the use of weight loss products by female athletes.

Design and setting: Mailed self-reporting questionnaire, sample of convenience. The Department of Physical Education at the University of South Carolina sponsored this study.

Subjects: The researchers sent 371 questionnaires to NCAA Division I athletic trainers of ten basketball teams, ten softball teams, and eleven volleyball teams. The recipients returned all of the questionnaires. Of the subjects, 106 played basketball, 138 played softball, and 127 played volleyball.

Measurements: A survey consisting of nine questions related to the use of weight loss products by NCAA Division I female athletes.

Results: Approximately 29% of the subjects reported using nonprescription weight loss products, which included general weight-reducing products, diuretics, and laxatives. More volleyball players (71%) used all types of these products than did softball (32%) or basketball (11.3%) players. More white athletes (32.3%) reported using the products than did African American athletes (6.7%). More volleyball players (23.6%) used diuretics than did softball (3.6%) or basketball (1.0%) players. Laxative use was greatest among volleyball players (18.8%), followed by basketball (1.8%) and softball (2.9%) players. Subjects typically reported purchasing nonprescription weight loss products over the counter (96.4%). The mean age of initial use was 16.2 years. Frequency of use increased during the out-of-sport season. The number one reason for using nonprescription weight loss products was for appearance enhancement (79.6%).

Conclusions: Based upon the results of this study, the use of nonprescription weight loss products is particularly common among volleyball players, but softball and basketball players also use them. Most subjects used these products during the out-of-sport season; therefore, information and intervention programs should target out-of-season use patterns. These programs should address the effects weight loss products have on sports performance and general health and should address issues relating to physical appearance.