Diet Pills & The Dangers Of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious illnesses that affect your physical and emotional wellness. The three main types, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, include anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. Anorexia is characterized by self-starvation and obsession with thinness, while bulimia typically involves binging and purging, through self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse or over-exercise. Binge-eating disorder involves repetitive binging without purging. Diet pill use often accompanies eating disorder symptoms and adds serious potential risks.

Relationship

Diet pill use may arise as one of numerous behaviors associated with an eating disorder. Use of diet pills may also lead to an eating disorder, according to Radar Programs -- an eating disorder treatment facility and resource center. You may begin taking diet pills in order to lose a few pounds, for example, and gradually develop other eating disorder characteristics, such as obsession with weight loss and foods, over-exercise or purging.

Features

Certain eating disorder characteristics are linked with diet pill use. According to a report published in "Eating Behaviors" in January 2008, people who purge through vomiting or other means or have a markedly high or low body mass index, or BMI, are more likely to abuse diet pills than people who do not meet these characteristics. In addition, diet pill abuse usually accompanies other disordered eating behaviors. Researchers who compiled the report concluded that, since diet pill abuse is common among people with eating disorders, professionals treating the disorders should conduct routine screening for diet pill use.

Risks

Eating disorders pose numerous physical, emotional and interpersonal risks. Many of the ingredients in diet pills, such as caffeine, ephedrine and phenylpropranolamine, are highly addictive and add to these risks, according to Radar Programs. Anorexia and bulimia can cause a variety of adverse consequences, including fatigue, depression, anxiety, heart problems, nutrient deficiencies and, in severe cases, death. Diet pills often contain stimulants that may cause heartbeat abnormalities and increased risk for stroke, heart attack and death. If you become addicted to diet pills, you may experience symptoms associated with drug addiction, such as stress, anxiety and, once you attempt to cut back or stop taking the pills, headaches, depression and other withdrawal symptoms. Your risk for harmful effects of diet pills depends on the severity of your illness, the type and amount of pills you're taking and your sensitivity to the pills' ingredients.

Challenges/Solutions

Treating eating disorders and stopping diet pill use poses numerous challenges. If you have an eating disorder, your self-perception may be skewed and your fear of weight gain may keep you from seeking the help you need. If you feel unready to overcome these challenges, consider individual counseling with a qualified therapist who can help you address these feelings. Keep in mind that treatment does not promote "fatness," but physical and emotional well-being. If you or a loved one are experiencing severe symptoms, such as abnormal heartbeat, severe fatigue or depression, or are engaging in dangerous behaviors, seek prompt medical guidance. If you have an eating disorder, steer clear of diet pills unless your doctor has instructed otherwise. Radar Programs also warns against herbal and "all natural" pills, which can pose as many risks as synthetic drugs.