摘要：Background : The relationship between obesity and various chronic diseases is well documented. In Jordan, the prevalence of overweight (30.0%) and obesity (38.8%) among females is on the rise, encouraging many adults to rely on alternative health care methods to manage their weight. Aims : We explored the status of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for weight management among adult females in Jordan and the possible relationship between CAM use and body mass index. Methods : An interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the use and safety of CAM for weight management from 858 women in 2015. Responses were coded and analysed using SPSS, version 20. Results : Around 40% of the respondents reported using some form of CAM for weight management. Commercial dietary supplements (31.2%), herbal remedies (26.7%) and folk remedies (18.0%) were commonly used. Green tea and fibre tablets were the most widely used herbal supplements. Logistic regression analysis indicated that overweight participants are more frequent CAM users compared to obese. Relatives and friends were the main sources of information about CAM. Only 31.9% of women believed that CAM modalities were safe; around half believed they were not safe during pregnancy (52.5%) and lactation (48.0%). Only 49.7% were aware of side-effects and 41.5% of drug interactions. Conclusion : This study revealed that CAM is often used for weight management. Awareness of the safe use of CAM with other medications and during pregnancy and lactation should be addressed.
关键词：alternative medicine; dietary supplements; weight management; women; Jordan
