Obesity is a problem plaguing millions of Americans. It not only poses a health risk, but can damage your self-esteem as well. Losing excess weight is not an easy task for most. Breaking old eating habits and developing new ones can prove quite a challenge. The manufacturers of weight-loss pills understand this, marketing each new product as if it's a miracle cure in a bottle. Before using these products, weigh the pros and cons.
Diet Jump Start:
Some prescription weight-loss medications benefit certain people who haven't been able to lose weight through diet and exercise. ClevelandClinicHealth explains these medications are not for those who wish to lose weight for cosmetic reasons; they are for people with a body mass index greater than 30. If this pertains to you, taking a weight-loss medication under the supervision of your doctor can help you lose a modest amount of weight while giving you an opportunity to make the dietary and behavioral changes needed for long-term weight-loss success.
Pros of Diet Pills:
This may come as a surprise to you… we will not list any pros of diet pills! Yes, as we have seen, diet pills come with too many cons for us to even try to come up with valid reasons to take them. Instead, we recommend weight loss by tried-and-true methods that pose far fewer health risks. A balanced, nutritional diet combined with exercise is the best way to get in shape and keep the pounds off. Often, these methods need to be personalized in order to be effective. Contact us today for a free consultation! We will be happy to help you on your way to a fit, healthier life.
Fat Blockers:
Studies show Alli and Xenical work. In one-year clinical trials, between 35.5% and 54.8% of subjects achieved a 5% or greater decrease in body mass. Between 16.4% and 24.8% achieved at least a 10% decrease in body mass. You are allowed to eat fatty foods while taking these fat blockers, however as the drug is shown to only remove about 25% of consumed fat from your digestive system; the more fat you eat the less effective the drug. Populations using the drug also showed slight decrease in tendencies toward type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Improving Your Health:
Although diet pills might provide a modest weight loss -- 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight -- this reduction can decrease your blood pressure, decrease your blood sugar levels, decrease your cholesterol and increase your sensitivity to insulin. This, in turn, decreases your risk of developing diabetes, according to MayoClinic.com.
Appetite Suppressants:
Phentermine is a well tolerated drug. Though man side affects are possible, ranging from nausea to rapid heart, they are usually mild. Phentermine has been proven an effective weight loss pill, especially for short term weight loss.
Side Effects:
Diet pills are notorious for having a plethora of side effects. Some common side effects include:
・Increased heart rate
・Increased blood pressure
・InsomniaPros and cons of diet pills
・Lightheadedness
・Excessive thirst
Headache
Liver damage
Misconception:
The manufacturers of weight-loss pills, rather over-the-counter or prescription, lead you to believe that their products alone can solve your weight problem. The more you fall for this misconception, the less likely you are to lose weight and keep it off. Although some diet pills are effective, you are sure to regain the weight unless you incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your everyday life while taking the pill.
Fat Blockers:
Even FDA approved fat blockers have side affects. Since the bound fat leaves through your digestive system, it can cause oily stools, gas, intestinal discomfort and fecal incontinence. These effects worsen with the more fat consumed. Also, Orlistat can prevent your body from absorbing certain fat soluble nutrients.
Addiction:
This common side effect of diet pills merits extra attention since your weight loss goals should include healthy lifestyle changes. Addiction to any substance is not going to help you become healthier.
Stress on the Adrenals:
Most of us are already stressed. This is a contributing factor to weight gain. Stress affects glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. When the adrenals become depleted because of long term stress, the body tends to slow the metabolism. Fatigue sets in, and the thyroid is affected. All of these issues contribute to weight gain. Many diet pills work to speed up the body. This is demonstrated by the side effects of increased heart rate and blood pressure. This increased speed puts further strain on the adrenals, causing the need for the body to slow even further in the long run.
Safety:
The safety of both prescription and over-the-counter diet pills is frequently questioned. Before a prescription diet pill is released for use, the manufacturer must prove its efficacy and safety to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who then either approves or denies it. The real problem lies with over-the-counter diet pills. Marketed as dietary supplements, the manufacturers do not have to prove anything to the FDA. Once for sale, however, the FDA can monitor and control the sale of the product, issue safety warnings and stop marketing of the drug if they feel the drug is harmful to your health. Ephedra, for instance, was banned by the FDA in 2004 due to the possibility of side effects such as heart attack and stroke, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.