State Senate considers controversial bill to ban diet pills and muscle supplements for minors

A controversial proposal to ban the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to anyone under 18 had its first public hearing at the state capitol on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 5622 would make it illegal for retailers to sell, give away, or ship weight loss and muscle-building supplements to minors. Stores would be required to check IDs before selling these products, and online retailers would need to verify that an adult signs for the delivery.

The bill specifically targets diet pills and supplements labeled or marketed for weight loss or muscle growth, except for general protein powders and drinks unless they contain additional ingredients linked to these effects. Ingredients like green tea extract, Garcinia cambogia, raspberry ketones, and creatine are among those flagged in the legislation.

Businesses caught selling these products to minors could face fines of up to $500 per violation, while improper use of age-verification data could result in penalties as high as $1,000.

The bill is modeled after similar legislation in New York, which faced legal challenges but ultimately took effect in 2024.

Supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect teens from potentially harmful supplements, while opponents claim it’s an overreach that could set a troubling precedent.

Supporters of the bill argue that many diet and muscle-building supplements contain stimulants and other ingredients that can pose health risks to young users. Some studies have linked their use to heart problems, liver damage, and unhealthy weight-control behaviors.

“The supplement industry is largely unregulated, and minors are being bombarded with ads that make these products seem harmless,” said Senator John Lovick (D-Mill Creek) during the public hearing. “Children are being intentionally targeted by companies that claim to promote wellness while advertising and selling dangerous and untested products.”

Corley Zhuang, a high school junior, testified, “Many of my friends fall victim to social media trends and struggle with eating disorders, so please help me protect them.”

Critics, including supplement industry representatives and some retailers, say the bill unfairly targets their products and could create unnecessary barriers for consumers. They argue that the FDA already regulates dietary supplements and that banning sales to minors is a step too far.

“This bill has been misguided in its premise and fails to recognize the extensive regulatory framework that already governs the dietary supplement industry,” said Tyle Cannon from the Natural Products Association.

Some who testified against the bill say it’s too broad and overreaching.

“This is very expansive in terms of its definition. Creatine, for instance, is used by some individuals to support heart, cognitive, and bone health,” said Carlos Gutierrez, representing the Consumer Health Care Products Association.

Katie Beeson of the Washington Food Industry Association said her organization opposes the bill. “Many of the age-verified products in our stores are actually secured in block displays or in areas that require employee-only assistance,” she said.

If SB 5622 becomes law, it could face legal battles similar to those in New York. Opponents have challenged that law on grounds of free speech violations and federal overreach, with at least one case still pending in court.

The Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday.  There is no similar bill in the House.