Researchers surveyed over 1,100 people in Jordan to find out which herbal products and supplements they use to lose weight. They discovered that green tea, ginger, and cinnamon are the most popular choices, with about half of people believing these products actually work. However, many people experienced side effects like stomach problems and headaches. The study found that older adults, women, and married people were more likely to try these products, often after other weight loss methods didn’t work. While people like these options because they’re cheap and seem natural, experts warn that people need better information about how to use them safely.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Which herbal products and supplements do people in Jordan use to try to lose weight, and what do they think about their safety and effectiveness?
- Who participated: 1,125 people from Jordan of various ages answered an online survey between April and June 2025. About half had tried to lose weight in the past year.
- Key finding: Green tea was the most popular choice (used by 53% of people), followed by ginger (31%) and cinnamon (30%). More than half believed these products work, but 42% reported stomach problems and 20% reported headaches.
- What it means for you: If you’re considering herbal products for weight loss, know that many people use them and believe they help. However, they can cause side effects, and you should talk to a doctor about proper doses and whether they’re right for you before starting.
The Research Details
Researchers created an online survey based on what they learned from reading many scientific articles about herbal weight loss products. They asked people in Jordan to answer questions about which products they used, what they thought about them, and whether they experienced any problems. The survey ran for about two months in spring 2025. This type of study is called “cross-sectional,” which means researchers took a snapshot of what people were doing at one point in time, rather than following them over months or years.
The researchers used a special statistical method called logistic regression to figure out which types of people were most likely to use these products. They looked at factors like age, gender, whether people were married, their jobs, and whether they had other health conditions.
This approach is straightforward and quick, making it good for getting a general picture of what’s happening in a population. However, because people answered questions about themselves online, the results depend on people being honest and remembering accurately.
Understanding what products people actually use and what they think about them is important because herbal and supplement products aren’t regulated as strictly as medicines. This means there’s less official oversight of their safety and effectiveness. By studying real people’s experiences, researchers can identify which products are popular, what problems people encounter, and which groups might need more education about safe use.
This study has several strengths: it included a large number of people (1,125), used a structured questionnaire, and analyzed the data carefully. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind. The study only looked at people in Jordan, so results might not apply everywhere. People answered questions online about their own experiences, which means some might not remember accurately or might not be completely honest. The study was done at one point in time, so we can’t tell if people’s habits changed over time. Additionally, the journal’s impact factor wasn’t provided, so we can’t assess its prestige level.
What the Results Show
About half of the 1,125 people surveyed (49.9%) said they had tried to lose weight in the past 12 months. Among those who used herbal products for weight loss, green tea was by far the most popular, used by 53.2% of people. Ginger came in second at 31.2%, and cinnamon third at 29.9%. These three products were significantly more popular than others.
When asked what they thought about these products, 55.3% of people believed they actually work for weight loss. However, side effects were common: 41.6% reported stomach or digestive problems, and 20.2% reported headaches. Interestingly, while 58.5% of people thought these products were safer than other options, 27.6% acknowledged they might have side effects, and 22% worried they might cause allergies.
The researchers found that certain groups were more likely to use these products. People aged 31-35 years old, women, married people, those who worked outside the healthcare field, and people with other health conditions were all more likely to use herbal products for weight loss compared to other groups. These differences were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to be due to chance.
The study revealed that many people turned to herbal products after other weight loss methods failed. Some people used them because they didn’t stick with lifestyle changes, medications, or even surgery. The low cost of these products was a major reason people chose them. Additionally, many people relied on long-held traditional beliefs about the safety and health benefits of herbs, often without scientific evidence backing up these beliefs.
This study adds to a growing body of research showing that herbal and supplement products are widely used for weight loss worldwide. Previous studies have shown similar patterns in other countries, with green tea and ginger being popular choices. However, this is one of the first studies specifically examining these patterns in the Jordanian population, providing important regional data. The finding that people often use these products after other methods fail aligns with what researchers have observed in other studies.
This study has several important limitations. First, it only included people in Jordan, so the results might not apply to other countries with different cultures and healthcare systems. Second, because people answered questions online about their own experiences, there’s a risk they might not remember accurately or might not be completely honest. Third, the study was done at one point in time, so we can’t tell if people’s habits are changing or staying the same. Fourth, the study didn’t include information about how much of each product people used or for how long, which makes it hard to connect specific doses to side effects. Finally, people who chose to answer the online survey might be different from people who didn’t, which could skew the results.
The Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about using herbal products for weight loss, talk to your doctor first. This is especially important if you take other medications or have health conditions. Start with small amounts to see how your body reacts. Be aware that stomach problems and headaches are common side effects. Don’t rely on these products alone—combine them with healthy eating and exercise for the best results. Look for products from reputable sources and ask your pharmacist or doctor about proper doses. These recommendations are based on moderate evidence from this and similar studies, but more research is needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of these products.
This research is most relevant to people considering herbal products for weight loss, especially those in Middle Eastern countries. Healthcare providers should care about this research because it shows what their patients are actually using. People with other health conditions should be especially careful, as the study found they’re more likely to use these products and may face additional risks. Women and people aged 31-35 should know they’re in groups more likely to use these products and should be extra cautious. People who have tried other weight loss methods without success should not assume herbal products are a safe alternative without medical guidance.
If you do use herbal products for weight loss, you should notice any side effects within days to weeks. However, weight loss itself takes time—usually several weeks to months to see meaningful results. Don’t expect overnight changes. If you don’t see benefits after 4-6 weeks or if you experience side effects, stop using the product and talk to your doctor.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track which herbal products you use, the daily dose, and any side effects you experience in a simple log. Record your weight weekly and note any changes in energy, digestion, or other symptoms. This helps you and your doctor understand what’s working and what’s not.
- If you decide to try herbal products, use the app to set reminders for taking them at the same time each day. Also use it to track your meals and exercise, since these are more important for weight loss than supplements alone. The app can help you see the complete picture of your health habits.
- Keep a long-term record of which products you’ve tried, how long you used them, and what results you got. Note any side effects and how they changed over time. Share this information with your doctor at regular checkups. This creates a personal health history that helps guide future decisions about supplements.
This research describes what people in Jordan reported using for weight loss, but it does not prove these products are safe or effective for everyone. Herbal and supplement products are not regulated as strictly as medicines, so their quality and safety can vary. Before starting any herbal product or supplement, especially if you take other medications, have health conditions, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another or could cause problems.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.