What are the dangers of weight loss pills?

10 years ago | BMI, Body Mass Index

By pH health care professionals

You step on the scale in your bathroom, hoping your weight hasn’t gone up again. You know all your clothing has become a little tighter, but lately, you’ve been way too busy, and at the end of the night, you are exhausted. To your dismay, the number has gone up. You’ve tried joining a gym, but that only lasted a month. And you’ve tried diets, but you just don’t have the time or energy.

If this sounds like you, perhaps you have considered giving weight loss pills a try. Here’s what you need to know.

Do diet pills help?

Prescription diet pills generally do help for initial weight loss. These medications tend to curb your appetite, give you a little rush of energy, increase your metabolism and make your heart beat faster.

Some people can lose 20-30 pounds in a matter of a two to six months. But these pills are temporary crutches. As soon as you stop taking them, you might gain the weight back and then some more. This is called the “yo-yo effect,” where you go through cycles of losing weight and gaining.

There are also many over the counter weight loss remedies with varying degrees of success rates.

What are some of the dangers of weight loss pills?

Some are tainted. A recent announcement by the FDA warned that a weight loss product was tainted with a prescription psychotropic drug fluoxetine. Similar situations have appeared in the past with over-the-counter supplements that either contained other substances or did not provide the quantity of ingredients claimed on the package.
Side effects. There can also be side effects, and it’s important to know them. Most weight loss pills are only meant to be used short-term. Some people think “more is better” in order to “accelerate” their weight loss. This can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks or strokes.
Addiction. There can also be addictive components, which make you continue to use the product even when it is not needed.
Strain on the heart. Weight loss medications often have the potential to increase blood pressure and put more strain on the heart. A younger person is more likely to handle those situations without developing complications, but someone who has aging arteries may face similar serious consequences. This is especially of concern for people over 50, some of whom may have undetected arteriosclerosis or heart diseases.

What are some healthy ways of losing weight?

Get a lifestyle makeover. Maintaining a healthy weight is an ongoing process and a way of life. Although the search for “quick fixes” is very attractive, you should always consider the health risks and overall effectiveness. Weight loss pills may help certain people, but overall, realize that weight loss success comes from consistency and as a way of life, learning to implement healthy lifestyles every day. Click here for strategies to do just that.
Ask an expert. If you are trying over-the-counter supplements, consult a doctor to see what brands he or she recommends, to ensure you are using well-researched and effective products. Our doctors can also do a more complete, personalized health assessment to address other issues like hormonal imbalances, and how toxic ingredients, antibiotics and pesticides can affect weight gain (and how to avoid them).

Enjoy Your Healthy Life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.

Comments (1)

Guest

I feel like weight loss pills and supplements could be very dangerous if you are taking the wrong one on top of being irresponsible while taking it. There is no such thing as a magic pill and the people that advertise their product as that are probably luring you into an unhealthy supplement. I take a fat burning supplement from Cellucor that is known and trusted with a clean track record. I also make sure my diet is on point and that I workout at least 4 times a week. The supplement only aids me though, it does not do the work for me. Here is a link to it.http://www.amazon.com/Cellucor-Stimulant.../dp/B00VAK4OK6