Weight loss can be an effective way to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, weight loss can improve appearance and self-esteem. The American Council on Exercise recommends regular exercise combined with calorie moderation to safely lose body fat. Despite this recommendation, diet drugs and supplements can be a tempting option for many dieters. Unfortunately, these compounds often have a negative impact on health. If you have been considering diet pills, take the time to carefully consider the risks of these compounds.
High Blood Pressure
Diet pills often contain stimulants such as caffeine, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. An overdose of caffeine can be especially dangerous if you have a pre-existing blood pressure condition. According to Seattle PI, caffeine may increase the risk of heart attack in some individuals.
Heat Illness
Especially when combined with heat and exercise, diet pills may significantly raise your risk of heat illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. USA Today notes a possible link between ephedrine-containing diet pills and the deaths of professional athletes Korey Stringer and Steve Bechler. Both men succumbed to fatal heat illness while taking diet pills.
Loss of Sleep
Stimulant-containing diet pills can interfere with normal sleep patterns. Additionally, they can cause nervousness, jitters and increased anxiety. If you are using diet pills, refrain from taking them in the evening.
Dehydration
Diet pills often contain diuretics such as dandelion and caffeine. While diuretics do not cause you to burn body fat, the temporary weight loss can make dieters think that the pills are more effective than they really are. This loss of water can increase your risk of fatigue, heart attack, stroke and heat illness.
Long-term Weight Gain
The American Council on Exercise says that diet pills artificially raise your metabolism. While this increase in metabolism can result in short-term weight loss, your results often last for only as long as you are taking the pills. When you stop taking the pills, your metabolism will return to normal, or in some cases, slower than it was before you took the pills, resulting in weight gain.
References
- USAToday.com: Ephedrine Under Baseball's Microscope
- "ACE Personal Trainer Manual: The Ultimate Resource for Fitness Professionals, 3rd Edition"; Cedric X. Bryant and Daniel J. Green; 2003
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