Diet pills target the body processes which can lead to weight gain. Because metabolism may be affected, concerns remain about their effect on vital organs such as the pancreas. Over-the-counter medications are not subject to the same approval process as prescription medications. Metabolism and energy production are vital to body function. Before using diet pills, it is imperative that you consult your doctor, particularly if you have an existing condition such as diabetes.
Role of Pancreas
To better understand the impact of diet pills, it is important to understand what role the pancreas plays in body function. The pancreas is an endocrine gland which produces hormones it then secretes into the bloodstream, the book "Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems" explains. These hormones are glucagon and insulin, which control blood sugar levels. Sugar or glucose is essential for fueling any activity of the body. If diet pills affect the pancreas negatively, it can impair body function.
Effects
Diet pills work in several ways, depending upon the medication. Some pills act as appetite suppressants, following the premise that if you eat less, you will lose weight. Diabetic individuals must eat regularly, however, to maintain stable blood sugar levels. An appetite suppressant could cause a drop in blood glucose if a diabetic is not eating regular meals, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases warns. In this case, the effect of insulin produced by the pancreas causes blood sugar to drop to unsafe levels.
Benefits
While appetite suppressants might not be appropriate for someone with pancreatic issues, other diet pills may offer benefits to select population groups. Another type of diet pill acts as a fat-absorption inhibitor. Essentially, they reduce the body's ability to absorb dietary fat. The Mayo Clinic explains that even a modest weight loss using these drugs can affect pancreas function by increasing insulin sensitivity and thus reducing the risk of diabetes. Adult onset diabetes is caused by glucose intolerance. A 2002 study in the "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society" estimates that more than 90 percent of diabetes cases could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle including maintaining a healthy weight.
Considerations
Prescription diet pills can supplement weight-loss efforts in individuals who are obese, and in overweight individuals with weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure. The accumulation of fat increases the risk of insulin resistance. The effects of this pancreatic hormone diminish, causing unstable blood sugar. Diet only may not be sufficient to reduce fat and the effects on the pancreas. A 1999 study in the journal "Baillière's Best Practice and Research" found that diet along with exercise and weight-reducing drugs can help manage blood sugar levels for better diabetes management.
Warning
Most diet pills are not intended for long-term use. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases warns that you will probably gain back the weight you lost once you are off the diet pills, thereby negating any benefit. The increase in fat accumulation will in turn increase insulin resistance and impair the ability of your pancreas to control your blood sugar. Rather than diet pills, weight control may be better through lifestyle changes.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Dietary Supplements
- "Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems"; Lauralee Sherwood; 2008
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hypoglycemia
- Mayo Clinic: Weight-loss drugs: Can a Prescription Help You Lose Weight?
- "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society"; Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Clustering and Glucose Intolerance; I. Perry; September 2002
- "Baillière's Best Practice and Research"; Obesity and diabetes; K. Leong and J. Wilding; July 1999
Member Comments