Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Complementary weight loss products have become a readily available and popular approach to weight loss in South Africa (van der Westhuizen, 2010). These products are being used alongside dietary and exercise regimes, or are turned to as a substitute for these recommended lifestyle changes (Bailey et al., 2013). Alongside the increased use of complementary medicines (CM) for weight loss it has been observed that weight loss attempts are more frequent in the female population than in the male population (Shisana et al., 2013).
CM is generally perceived to be a more natural and safe approach to weight loss when compared to conventional medicine (van den Berg and Walsh, 2013). Internationally studies have been conducted by Amariles et al. (2006), Sharpe et al. (2007) and Pillitteri et al. (2008) on the use and self-treatment with CM for weight loss. However, there has been no research conducted on the use and perceived effectiveness of CM for weight loss among women in Johannesburg. In South Africa, van den Berg and Walsh (2013) concluded that currently there are no statistics regarding how these products are being used for weight loss in South Africa as well as a lack of scientific research on their effectiveness and safety. Consequently, there is a lack of information on consumer use as well as whether consumers perceive these products to be effective.
The aim of this study was to determine the use and perceived effectiveness of complementary medicines for weight loss by women in Johannesburg. This was evaluated by means of a questionnaire.
This study was a quantitative-descriptive research design. The research sample consisted of 160 participants. The participants were female and over the age of 18 years, all of whom had used CM for weight loss within the past five years. Prospective participants were recruited face-to-face and via advertisements at two Johannesburg health shops, namely Wellness Warehouse and Fruits & Roots as well as at the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Health Training Centre, Doornfontein campus. Based on the prospective participants’ willingness to participate in this research study, the questionnaire was explained to them, their consent was obtained and thereafter the participant completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire took the participants approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. All data from the questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistical methods...