Stacker Weight Loss Drugs

Stacker drugs are marketed as weight-loss supplements and energy-boosting pills that can help people lose weight and combat fatigue. While some of the natural and synthetic ingredients in Stacker pills can provide an energy boost or a slight raise in metabolism, they can be dangerous to many people and aren't typically recommended as part of a healthy weight loss plan.

Ingredients

Stacker comes in several different varieties, but most of the pills contain ephedra extract, chitosan, kola nut, caffeine and green tea. Most of these ingredients act as stimulants, increasing your heart rate and making you feel more energized for short periods. Kola nut and green tea both contain caffeine, though the Stacker label lists caffeine as a separate ingredient as well, making it difficult to determine exactly how much caffeine is in one pill. While NVE Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures the Stacker line of pills, claims the ingredients it uses are all natural, that doesn't mean they're safe or that they'll do what they claim to do.

Benefits

The stimulant effect of the ingredients in Stacker pills might make you feel like you have more energy, which can motivate you to exercise. Caffeine also acts as a mild appetite suppressant, which might make it easier for you to control your portion sizes and prevent overeating. Stimulants can increase your metabolism slightly, though it's usually not enough to result in significant weight loss. If your doctor tells you Stacker pills are safe for you to take, combining the supplement with a healthy, nutritious diet and regular cardiovascular exercise to burn calories will result in the most benefits in terms of weight loss, energy levels and overall health.

Side Effects

Because Stacker combines so many different stimulants into one pill the likelihood of experiencing side effects is high. The most common side effects include insomnia, mood changes, irregular heart rhythms or palpitations, dizziness and jitteriness. Vomiting, diarrhea and severe nausea are signs of a caffeine overdose, which is possible with the amount of caffeine in Stacker pills, particularly if you consume caffeine from other sources or take more pills than the manufacturer suggests.

Warning

While many side effects of the Stacker supplements are mild and resolve themselves after you stop taking them, some ingredients could lead to serious risks and even be fatal. Do not take Stacker diet pills if you are allergic to shellfish, as chitosan is derived from shellfish and could lead to a severe allergic reaction. Never take more than the recommended dosage, as even a little bit more can lead to tolerance and heart problems with extended use. Don't combine weight loss supplements since many other over-the-counter diet pills contain the same ingredients as Stacker pills.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Aug 18, 2011

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