According to the University of Colorado, weight loss products such as diet pills contribute to an over $40 billion industry in America. Dieters are often tempted by diet pills as a "quick fix" or as an aid to increase the effectiveness of their weight loss ventures. A variety of diet pills are available, both with and without prescription. Some are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and some are not; most come with an array of side effects. Careful consideration and doctor's approval are recommended before people take any form of diet pill.
History
According to an article published in the New York Times in 1999, 100,000 Americans took a dinitrophenol, a chemical that prevented food from turning into fat, during the 1930s. The chemical carried harmful side effects, including potential blindness and death. In the 1950s, amphetamines, or stimulant drugs, became a popular form of diet pill under the premise that they reduced appetite and increased metabolism. They aided in weight loss for some, but consumers often experienced severe bouts of paranoia, withdrawal and depression. In the 1960s, Congress ruled that amphetamines are not to be used for weight loss purposes. Also during this time period, hormone injections entered the weight loss market, administered in conjunction with a strict low-calorie diet regime. The injections turned out to be a farce. Prescription diet pills were developed in the 1990s, and some remain popular today. An array of herbal diet pills are also available over the counter and via the Internet, some of which are said to have been around for centuries. Few herbal diet pills have been approved by the FDA, and long-term side effects are unknown, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Types
Prescription diet drugs, such as subutramine and orlistat, may be prescribed for obese individuals. According to research published in the Britsh Medical Journal in 2007, prescription weight loss medications may promote modest weight loss in obese patients, though most will remain clinically obese while taking the pills. Popular over-the-counter diet pills include bitter orange, chitosan, chromium, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), country mallow, ephedra, green tea extract, guar gum and hoodia. As reported by the Mayo Clinic, these supplements claim to reduce appetite, block fat absorption or both.
Potential Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic, prescription and nonprescription diet pills may have harmful side effects. Bitter orange and ephedra, which is banned by the FDA as a diet supplement, may cause sudden death. Chitosan, CLA, guar gum and Alli, an FDA-approved over-the-counter diet pill, may cause digestive disturbances such as gas, bloating and diarrhea. Green tea extract may cause vomiting, flatulence or diarrhea. Long-term effects of herbal diet pills in particular are unknown. Mental health expert Phil McGraw states diet pills are ineffective and warns they are potentially addictive. In addition to possible physical side effects, intake of such pills can lead to dependency, depression, anxiety, mood swings and eating disorders.
Considerations
If you are interested in weight loss, consider whether your goals are healthy and reasonable. If your weight falls within the normal range for your age, size and gender, diet pills are not recommended. Consider, instead, ways to improve your physical fitness without dieting, as well as ways to improve your body image and self-acceptance. If you are significantly overweight and wish to take diet pills, consider whether the risks are worth the potential benefits. If you are at risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, eating disorders or depression, diet pills may pose particularly dangerous side effects. Discuss your goals with a trusted medical professional who can help you decide whether diet pills are suited for you and will help preserve your health and safety.
Expert Advice
Experts at the Mayo Clinic say there are no "quick fix" weight loss solutions and recommend healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods in appropriate amounts and engaging in regular physical activity, as the most ideal weight management option. Instead of focusing on restricting food or appetite, increase intake of nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to make weight management more enjoyable. Replace refined carbohydrates such as white bread, potato chips and ice cream with 100 percent whole grain bread, air-popped popcorn and low-fat yogurt. View food as fuel for your body and put your body to use. Do physical activities you enjoy on a regular basis to increase your metabolism and prevent unwanted weight gain. For best results, seek guidance from a trusted dietary or medical professional.
Member Comments