STARCH BLOCKER

noun (Health and Fitness) (Lifestyle and Leisure) A dietary preparation that supposedly affects a person's metabolism of starch so that it does not contribute to a gain in weight. Etymology: Formed by compounding: supposedly a blocker of starch metabolism. History and Usage: Starch blockers were first introduced in the US in 1981 and for a short time provoked a good deal of journalistic interest. However, the scientific basis of the claims made for these products was soon debunked. Slimmers who use starch blockers...are wasting their money.... Experts...say they do not affect the quantity of starch digested and could have unpleasant effects if they did work. Daily Telegraph 14 Apr. 1983, p. 6 1982: The FDA cracked down on starch blockers, a diet fad that purportedly prevented the body from digesting starch calories. Life Fall 1989, p. 64