According to new research on weight loss in America, a new survey suggests that Hispanics and African Americans are more likely than whites to use unproven dietary supplements for weight loss. The data adds to the growing body of research that more awareness about recommended weight loss treatments and the associated health risks of overweight and obesity is needed among these populations.

The new data shows that Hispanics and African Americans are less likely to use commercial weight loss programs -- deemed as organized programs where clients attend regular meetings either in person or online -- and more likely to exercise and use dietary supplements for weight loss, such as herbs or plant extracts, as compared to whites.

This finding is important to note because in contrast with prescription and OTC medications, dietary supplements generally do not require FDA evaluation and approval for safety or efficacy before they are marketed. Most people are unaware that most OTC products currently marketed for weight loss are not subject to the same regulations as FDA- approved drugs.

"The rates of obesity among African Americans and Hispanic groups in the U.S. tend to be higher than obesity rates among whites," said Adam Gilden Tsai, M.D., Medical Director, Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. "There are a variety of diseases associated with being obese or overweight and it is important that individuals use evidence-based treatments for weight loss."

Researchers also noted that other factors may contribute to ethnic differences in reported use of treatments including differences in preference, specific knowledge of weight loss options and supplement advertising targeted to ethnic minorities.

Valentine J. Burroughs, M.D., MBA, Associate Professor of Medicine Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York said, "We need to be proactive in educating all Americans about realistic expectations when it comes to weight loss and providing them with the tools that work."

According to the National Institutes of Health currently approximately 65 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese.

Researchers say being overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of developing health problems such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Factors that can contribute to overweight include an abundance of high-calorie foods, low levels of physical activity, behavior, environment, and genetics. Multiple studies have shown that a modest reduction in weight improves health outcomes significantly in overweight or obese patients.