Losing weight seems like a daunting challenge to many, making the use of accelerated weight loss supplements very tempting, especially to those who hope to lose weight quickly. However, weight loss supplements are often ineffective and can even be dangerous. By understanding the risks of using accelerated weight loss supplements, you can make informed choices for healthy, safe weight loss.
Lax Regulation
Most people assume that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration tests weight loss supplements for efficacy and safety before they are released on the market. Unfortunately, due to changes in the law that went into effect with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, supplements do not receive the pre-market testing required for foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications, warns QuackWatch.org. This means the FDA has to wait until it receives reports of dangerous side effects to recall weight loss supplements from the market.
Accelerated Weight Loss
While everyone wants to lose weight as quickly as possible, losing weight too quickly can be dangerous. The Mayo Clinic recommends losing no more than 2 lbs. per week, noting that if you use supplements to lose weight faster than this you may be burning water weight, or even lean muscle tissue instead of fat. Losing weight too quickly can also lead to gallstones and heart rhythm abnormalities, (which can be fatal, warns the Weight-Control Information Network.
Considerations
Many weight loss supplements that claim to be all-natural contain dangerous ingredients, including unlisted pharmaceuticals, according to the April 2009 "Newsweek" article Too Good to be True. A large-scale FDA investigation of accelerated weight loss supplements found 72 over-the-counter products containing dangerous ingredients, such as prescription appetite suppressants, anti-seizure and anti-anxiety medications, and even anti-depressants. None of these pharmaceutical medications was listed on the ingredients label.
Health Risks
The health risks posed by untested accelerated weight loss supplements are quite serious. Undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients could cause a deadly drug interaction for unsuspecting users taking prescription medications. Side effects from the unlisted medications found during the FDA investigation of supplements include heart attack, stroke, seizures and even suicide, according to "Newsweek." In addition, supplements that produce an amphetamine-type effect to accelerate metabolism can increase your heart rate, which could be fatal for individuals with heart problems.
Safe Weight Loss
The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding accelerated weight loss supplements and making healthy lifestyle changes for safe, long-term weight loss. Increased physical activity and a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains are the safest ways to lose weight and keep it off over time. In addition, these lifestyle changes promote heart health and reduce your risk for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Always consult a physician if you are considering taking a weight loss supplement, even if it claims to be all-natural.
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