Use of amphetamine-like appetite suppressants: a cross-sectional survey in Southern Brazil.

In 1994 a cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, to assess the prevalence of amphetamine-like appetite suppressant use. 1,277 adults were interviewed, and the prevalence of anorectic drug use was 1.3% (95% CI = 0.7-1.9): 15 women and one man, mainly from higher socioeconomic groups. Most of the users (81%) had a medical prescription. Forty-one different drugs had been prescribed. Mean length of use was 8.7 months. These findings are discussed in terms of the overreliance on anorectics as aids to dieting, the dangers of polypharmacy, and the risks of long-term use.