Tampa, Fla. – In response to new research that found BMPEA1 (an amphetamine-like substance) in weight-loss and athletic performance substances, the OAC is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of these supplements.

“As Americans, we rely on the FDA to be the inherent watchdogs of certain things, such as our food and medications. Additionally, they also have the responsibility to evaluate the safety of other products, such as weight-loss supplements. Individuals affected by obesity are often easy targets for supplement companies promising fast weight-loss results with potentially unsafe, non-evidence-based products. With today’s media reports on the presence of BMPEA in various supplements, the OAC is urging the FDA to take a closer look at these supplements and also take a more proactive stance in educating consumers on their safety,” said Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA, OAC Chairman.

Kyle continued, “While the OAC recognizes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight-loss, supplements have long been under scrutiny for their bold package-based promises of ‘fast weight-loss.’ We simply do not know enough about the safety of these supplements, and as it has been reported today, some may contain potentially harmful substances. Until the FDA takes a stronger stance with weight-loss supplements, we strongly encourage consumers to talk to their healthcare provider before taking any weight-loss supplement.”

About the OAC:
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a nearly 50,000 member-strong National nonprofit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support. 

  1. Cohen, P. A., Bloszies, C., Yee, C., and Gerona, R. (2015), An amphetamine isomer whose efficacy and safety in humans has never been studied, β-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA), is found in multiple dietary supplements. Drug Test. Analysis, doi: 10.1002/dta.1793.