Water pills, also known as diuretics, are designed to alleviate excess salt and water in your body associated with certain medical conditions; however, water pills aren't safe for weight loss. In fact, use of diuretics, laxatives and enemas for weight loss typically is associated with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, according to an article in the January 2000 issue of "American Family Physician."
About Diuretics
Diuretics, or water pills, are not prescribed for purposes of weight loss. According to MayoClinic,com, diuretics are prescribed for patients with heart failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, edema, kidney problems and certain types of diabetes, among other serious medical conditions. Diuretics exert their effect on your kidneys by putting more sodium in the urine. Sodium leeches water from your blood, which decreases the pressure excess body fluid puts on your blood vessels. The most frequent side effect associated with diuretic use is more frequent urination. Some herbal dietary supplements might have diuretic effects, but Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky indicates that there's little evidence to suggest that these are helpful for long-term weight loss. Just like prescription drugs, they too can have harmful side effects.
Diuretics and Weight
Many dieters believe that water pills are safe for weight loss and rely on them to shave off a few extra pounds. Not only is this dangerous to your health, but you're also not likely to get the results you think. The American Council on Exercise explains that water weight is unrelated to the weight you gain from fat. Water weight can add 3 to 5 lbs. to your total weight. Water pills temporarily reduce weight from water retention but don't get rid of body fat. Diuretics generally are safe when used to relieve symptoms associated with certain health conditions, per your doctor's instructions; however, they can cause low blood sodium, headache, light-headedness, elevated blood sugar and blood cholesterol, muscles cramps and gout.
More Dangers
More ominously, the use of water pills for weight loss is one method employed by people with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, states the "American Family Physician." Use of illegal weight loss drugs and over-the-counter weight loss supplements, self-induced vomiting, severe calorie restriction, excessive exercise, enemas and fasting are other symptoms of eating disorders that require treatment. According to the November 1988 issue of the "Journal of Family Practice," patients with eating disorders might abuse diuretics in very large quantities for prolonged periods. The authors note that doctors should be aware that patients with eating disorders, namely bulimia, might request prescription diuretics for weight loss.
Safe Weight Control
Successful weight loss depends on two things: decreasing calories and increasing your level of physical activity. Reduce the number of calories you consume each by trimming portions. Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups, but be mindful of how many calories you consume each day. The Cleveland Clinic suggests keeping a food journal so you can see exactly what you eat and how many calories you get from food and beverages. Keep weight loss safe and slow, losing no more than 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Have a heart-to-heart discussion with your treating physician if you're considering water pills, laxatives, enemas or other drugs, dietary supplements or other unproven methods for weight loss.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Diuretics; December 2010
- "American Family Physician"; Treatment Guideline for Eating Disorders; K. Miller, M.D.; January 2000
- American Council on Exercise; Why Do I Seem to Gain Weight ...; T. Schwartz; November 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Water Retention: Are There Any Nautral Diuretics?; K. Zeratsky; September 2009
- Something Fishy: Diet Pills, Laxatives and Dangerous Methods
- MayoClinic.com; Weight Loss: Choosing a Diet That's Right for You; June 2010
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