Ban pushed on OTC sale of weight loss meds to minors

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MANILA, Philippines — A Cotabato lawmaker is pushing for a ban on the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of weight loss medicine and supplements to minors.

House Assistant Majority Leader Ma. Alana Samantha Santos has filed House Bill No. 11001 that imposes on violators fines ranging from P50,000 to P200,000 as well as the possible revocation of their license to operate.

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Santos cited a 2024 systematic global review, which found that one in 10 adolescents has been using weight loss products that were not medically approved.

“Young Filipinos are especially susceptible to trying out cosmetic weight loss with the increasing exposure and influence of social media,” she said.

Under HB 11001, those “operating a place of business where over-the-counter weight loss supplements are sold or offered for sale is prohibited from selling such products to individuals under 18 years of age.”

It also tasks the Department of Health to work with the Food and Drugs Administration to craft the implementing guidelines. — Jeannette I. Andrade