LANSING, MI. (WOWO) Michigan lawmakers are considering new regulations on weight-loss and muscle-building supplements that would block sales to minors and require photo ID for purchase.
Body:
House Bill 5250, introduced by Rep. Erin Byrnes of Dearborn, would prohibit anyone under 18 from purchasing diet pills or muscle-building supplements in stores or online. Retailers would be required to verify age with photo identification and keep the products in locked cases or out of customer reach.
According to Bridge Michigan – the bill identifies several supplements — including creatine, green tea extract, raspberry ketone, garcinia cambogia and coffee bean extract — that would fall under the restrictions. In announcing the proposal, Byrnes said minors face increasing exposure to advertising and social-media content promoting unrealistic body standards.
Public health researchers supporting the bill cite links between supplement use and eating disorders. Studies referenced during the bill’s rollout indicate that adolescents who use diet pills are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with eating disorders later on, and that protein powder use may correlate with later steroid use.
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages diet-pill use by minors and warns about possible adverse effects.
Industry representatives oppose the legislation. Steve Mister, president and CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, said the bill targets legal products and could limit access for adults. He also warned that broad language regulating marketing claims could affect multivitamins and other supplements not intended for weight loss.
The dietary supplement industry supports more than 8,500 jobs in Michigan and generates an estimated $1.8 billion in statewide economic impact, according to the council. Major manufacturers, including Amway and Perrigo, operate in the state.
Michigan’s proposal follows similar efforts elsewhere. At least eight states have pursued restrictions designed to limit youth access to weight-loss products. New York enacted a comparable law in 2024.
House Bill 5250 has been referred to the House Committee on Health Policy. A similar proposal from Byrnes in 2024 did not advance out of committee.
Closing:
If passed, the legislation would align Michigan with other states aiming to restrict minors’ access to weight-loss and muscle-building supplements. Lawmakers are expected to review testimony from researchers, industry groups and consumer advocates before deciding whether the measure will advance.
