Diet pills are a short-term fix for weight-loss. There is no miracle cure in a bottle for it. Although some diet pills are effective for a short period of time, rendering a modest reduction in your weight, you are likely to regain this weight if lifestyle changes are not made while taking these pills. Only you can decide if taking a diet pill is right for you. However, you should take into consideration a number of factors before making your decision.
Think About Safety
Safety should always be on the top of your list when considering the use of diet pills. Side effects accompany these pills whether you take an over-the-counter pill or receive a prescription from your doctor. Over-the-counter pills have hidden side effects in their ingredients. Many claim to be all-natural, but even natural products are harmful. The University of Maryland Medical Center clearly states that most diet pills found in your local grocery store contain some combination of EPA-rich fish oil, aloe vera and green tea polyphenols, among other ingredients. Although natural, these can produce harmful side effects. Tiratricol, a thyroid hormone, is found in other over-the-counter products. This can cause heart attacks and strokes. Always consult your doctor before using these pills.
Efficacy
The ingredients in most over-the-counter diet pills lack evidence of producing weight loss. The manufacturers, although promising dramatic results, do not have to provide proof of anything to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market their product because the pills are listed as dietary supplements. Prescription medications, on the other hand, must prove both safety and efficacy before the FDA releases them for use. With those, you can expect a modest loss of weight. Within one year, you can expect to lose 5 percent to 10 percent of your total body weight, and this is with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, prescription medications are allowed for short-term use, about 12 weeks or less.
Weight Gain
Although your goal is to lose weight with a diet pill, you run the risk of gaining your weight back when you depend solely on the pill to lose excess pounds. Without taking the time to develop a healthy eating plan that works for you or incorporating 30 minutes of exercise into your day, the diet pill is a waste of your money and time, not to mention a potential risk to your health.
Dependency
Many diet pills can become addictive, especially when you see the results you desire. Some, such as dextroamphetamine and phenmetrazine, are amphetamines. Although they are no longer prescribed because of their addictive tendencies, they are available online. Aside from the weight-loss results, these also can provide a feeling of euphoria, which is what draws many people to them. Beware, because once the short-term weight-loss effects subside, you are left with a drug addiction.
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