Water weight loss supplements, also referred to as diuretics, may help to reduce water retention, or water weight. In the United States, 66 percent of adults are either obese or overweight, according to MedlinePlus. Water weight may be a factor in someone being overweight, but water retention may also indicate a medical condition. Taking a diuretic may help to reduce the water weight, but it will not cure an underlying medical condition. Before taking a water weight loss supplement, you should speak to your doctor.
Mechanism of Action
Diuretics may help to alleviate excess water weight by causing you to urinate more frequently, according to the Mayo Clinic. This may also result in excess amounts of salt being flushed out of the body, as water weight loss supplements force the kidneys to place more salt into the urine. This sodium then takes water from your blood with it, resulting in less fluid traveling through the body's blood vessels.
Types of Diuretics
Thiazide diuretics decrease the amount of water and sodium found in your body. They also widen your blood vessels. Potassium-sparing diuretics work by decreasing the amount of water in your body, but they do not decrease your body's potassium level, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Loop-acting diuretics act on your kidneys to force them to increase your urine output, which, in turn, reduces how much water you have in your body.
Causes of Water Retention
While excess weight may cause water retention in the body, there are other possible causes that may become serious if left untreated. These conditions may include high blood pressure, tissue swelling, certain kidney disorders, osteoporosis, female hirsutism, heart failure, polycystic ovarian syndrome and diabetes insipidus, states the Mayo Clinic.
Side Effects
Diuretics are not without side effects, though they are considered generally safe. Increased urination is the most common side effect, and is most common when loop-acting diuretics are taken. Low blood-potassium levels may occur, especially with a thiazide diuretic, and high blood-potassium levels may occur, especially with a potassium-sparing diuretic. Common side effects include weakness, skin rash, vomiting, cramps, joint pain, muscle cramping, an increase in sunlight sensitivity, diarrhea and dizziness, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Other possible side effects may include male breast enlargement, low blood-sodium levels, increased cholesterol, joint disorders like gout, abnormal menses, increased blood sugar levels, rashes and male impotence.
Warnings
A drug interaction may occur with digoxin and digitalis, high blood pressure medications, cyclosporine, certain antidepressants and lithium. Contraindications may include medication allergies, diabetes, pancreatitis, lupus, menstrual issues, pregnancy or breastfeeding, being easily dehydrated, kidney problems and gout, according to the Texas Heart Institute.
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