In a recent California Senate Health Committee meeting, Assembly Bill 82 (AB 82) was presented, aiming to ban the sale of weight loss dietary supplements and over-the-counter diet pills to minors unless prescribed by a doctor. The bill seeks to implement ID checks for these products to protect young people from the dangers associated with eating disorders, which are increasingly prevalent among adolescents.

Assemblymember Weber emphasized the urgent need for this legislation, citing the documented risks of dietary supplements, including dangerous substances found in some products. The bill is a response to the growing concern over how these products target teens, who often struggle with self-image issues exacerbated by social media and societal pressures.

Supporters of AB 82 included high school student Naithiv Subhaya, who shared personal experiences regarding the mental health impacts of diet pills on peers. He highlighted the overwhelming pressure on teenagers to conform to unrealistic body standards, which often leads them to seek quick fixes through potentially harmful supplements. Subhaya urged lawmakers to protect youth from the deceptive marketing practices of the weight loss industry.

Ali Evans, another advocate, recounted her sister's battle with anorexia, linking it to the pervasive influence of social media and targeted marketing of weight loss products to children. She stressed the need for legislative action to shield minors from these harmful influences.

Pharmacist Sonia Frosto also voiced her support, pointing out the potential health risks associated with unsupervised access to dietary supplements. She noted that current regulations require ID checks for certain medications, and similar measures should apply to weight loss products to ensure the safety of minors.

While the bill received strong backing from various advocates, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) expressed concerns about blanket restrictions, arguing that their members adhere to strict ethical standards and do not market unsafe products. However, they acknowledged the importance of addressing eating disorders among young people.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for regulatory measures to protect minors from the health risks associated with weight loss supplements, as the bill moves forward in the legislative process.