Target: Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
Goal: Support restricting minors’ access to dietary supplements that may encourage eating disorders.
Diet and weight loss supplements account for a staggering one-third of over-the-counter health product sales in the United States. Since they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these products are sold freely and without restriction. Several states are looking to change this hidden danger, however.
New York has recently moved legislation forward that would prohibit either over-the-counter or online diet pill sales to minors. The state feels this measure is needed because young teenagers, especially teen girls, are susceptible to body image issues that could escalate into an eating disorder. Studies on the subject have seemingly found a link between usage of these supplements and such disorders, with children who take the weight loss supplements exhibiting up to a five times higher risk of being diagnosed with an eating disorder.
Sign the petition below to urge New York’s newest governor to send a strong consumer protection message by signing this bill into law.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Hochul,
About half of teen girls and one-third of teen boys take part in weight control measures deemed unhealthy. In the most extreme cases, these behaviors escalate into an eating disorder. A staggering 95 percent of individuals diagnosed with eating disorders are between 12 and 25 years of age. And for this vulnerable age group, mortality rates for conditions like anorexia are disturbingly high.
The above statistics should give anyone tremendous pause, but one of the most unnerving stats is the studied correlation between eating disorders and non-prescription dietary supplements. The New York legislature is one of a handful of state legislatures to tackle this concerning problem by stepping in where the FDA cannot or will not.
Please sign the bill banning the sale of over-the-counter or online dietary supplements to minors into law. Set a crucial template for your fellow northeastern states that are weighing similar legislation and for a nation in the continued grip of an unseen crisis. Chances are, Governor, you have known someone (or perhaps several someones) affected by an eating disorder.
Advocate for them and for the millions like them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Cottonbro
Why not make these products prescription only for everyone? Some adults are more succeptible to body dismorphia than others.