Conclusions
This research contributes to our understanding of why the
widespread use of weight loss supplements does not appear
to be correlated with successful weight reduction [5]. We
contend that “psychological liberation” may account for this
interesting and important phenomenon. The physiological
effect of weight loss supplements is not addressed in this
study, as we focused only on the psychological consequences
of taking weight loss supplements. After taking weight loss
supplements, users may feel overly optimistic about their
progress toward the goal of weight reduction and therefore
begin to pursue culinary pleasure. Given that people may also
use weight loss supplements as a means of compensating for
binge-eating, those who rely on weight loss supplements for
weight loss may engage in risky cycles involving excessive
supplement use and poor diet. Given that people generally are
increasingly using supplements to lose weight, users should
diligently monitor the liberating effect of taking weight loss
supplements on dietary control. This insight may help translate
the increased use of weight loss supplements into successful
weight reduction.