Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program are the best ways to lose weight, though the process may be slow. This can be frustrating for those who have a significant amount of weight to lose. To help increase the results, some people turn to diet pills. Whether over the counter or by prescription, these medications can cause bad symptoms. Always discuss the effects with a doctor and never rely on pills to replace your own dieting efforts.
Heart Complications
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics website reports that some kinds of diet pills have been shown to cause damage to the heart's valves. Though these pills were taken off the market in the United States, herbal pills that can cause equally damaging heart complications are still available. Bitter orange, or Citrus aurantium, is an herb derived from the orange tree. Extracts of the herb are a popular component to weight loss supplements. MayoClinic.com notes that bitter orange has stimulant-like effects and contains chemicals that may speed up your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. When combined with caffeine or other supplements, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases.
Bowel Changes
Some over-the-counter herbal diet pills and slimming teas contain senna, a natural laxative derived from the senna leaf. By speeding elimination and emptying the intestines, these pills may help reduce the number on the scale. Dieters are not actually losing fat, however. Dangers exist with consistent use of the pills, as users may become dependent on the laxative to have regular bowel movements. In addition, MayoClinic.com reports that prolonged use of oral laxatives can lead to an electrolyte imbalance.
Sleeplessness
Caffeine, a well-known stimulant, is a common ingredient in over-the-counter diet pills. The caffeine boost these pills provide may help dieters fight fatigue and enhance their workouts. Caffeine may also help curb the appetite, stimulate thermogenesis, which helps in calorie burning, and increase urine excretion for greater water loss. On the downside, caffeine consumption can cause anxiety, rapid heart beat and sleeplessness, particularly among those who are sensitive to caffeine or consume caffeinated beverages throughout the day.
References
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: Risk Factors for Heart Disease: Frequently Asked Questions
- MayoClinic.com: Is Bitter Orange Safe and Effective for Weight Loss?
- MayoClinic.com: Over-The-Counter Laxatives for Constipation: Use With Caution
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss: Does Caffeine Increase Weight Loss?
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