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The Dangers of Diet Pills
It's difficult to walk down the vitamin aisle without being bombarded by a slew of diet pills and supplements promising incredible results with little additional effort. Unfortunately, the ineffective nature of these substances aren't the only drawback.
In today's results-oriented world, where everyone seems to have less and less time to take care of themselves, diet drugs can be a tempting option. After all, who would not be tempted by the idea of being able to lose weight by just popping an extra pill or two when they take their morning vitamin? Unfortunately, like too many of the other things in this world that just seem to be too easy, or too good to be true, most diet pills and supplements won't do the job, or at least not the way you think they will.
Why diet supplements can be dangerous:
Diet supplements (not to be confused with diet pills, see below) can be dangerous because they're largely unregulated. Most of the claims that are made on diet supplements have not been tested for validity or truthfulness by the Food and Drug Administration, more common as the FDA1 . This means that the markers of a product can claim that their products will help you lose weight with very tenuous, sometimes biased, and even in extreme cases nonexistent research to back up the claims. It is also worth noting that while some supplements do have benefits, there is also a possibility that they will come with unwanted side effects as well. Because the supplement does not have to adhere to rigorous testing standards these side effects may go widely unrecognized, and could in the end do serious harm to your health and well-being.
If you choose to use a supplement:
Even if you take the time and energy to look up research on the internet you have to be very careful to read actual studies, and that those reports on the studies are actually put out by reputable sources. If you don't, then you may miss important information about potential side effects. Also, you should be careful to read the ingredients list of any supplements that you pick up so that you actually get what you think that you're getting, and only what you think you think you are getting. You may be surprised how many supplements are actually a cocktail of different herbs, and/or other ingredients like caffeine that you need to be aware of before you take any supplements2.
Why diet drugs can be dangerous.
Diet drugs are slightly less dangerous than supplements because they are submitted to the rigorous testing required by the FDA before they can be put onto the market. The biggest dangers associated with diet pills come from interactions with other medications and conditions and the misuse of pills to increase effectiveness or because of an accidental missed dosage on the part of the user. Even the diet pills that have been tested still come with a serious set of side effects. You may think back to the days when Ephedrine was on the market to get an idea of how dangerous diet pills can actually be.
If you choose to use a diet drug:
If you choose to take on the associated risks with diet drugs, there are some things that you can do to minimize your risks. First and foremost, diet pills should always be taken under the supervision of a licensed physician. You should be sure to inform your physician of any medical conditions that you have, any other pills or supplements that you are taking, and lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking, that may affect your reaction to this medication. Also, you want to avoid these pills if you are pregnant or nursing (which is no time to diet in the first place). Always read and follow the instructions that come with your medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions3.
In the end, if you're going to take a diet drug or supplement you need to be sure that you're aware of what you're getting into and that you know how to take the pills properly. What most people overlook is the fact that diet pills and supplements will never be a real substitute for eating a healthy and balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis. Expect it to be only part of what you do to lose weight safely.
For more information on diet pills, visit the EnvyMyHealth.com Weight Management Channel!
Have an Experience/Opinion about Diet Pills?
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Have an Experience/Opinion about Diet Pills?
Want to get your voice heard? Share your experience, opinions, or anything else you feel like sharing right here!
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