1. You Might not Know What you are Taking
If you are considering over the counter diet pills as opposed to prescription diet pills, you might not know what you are getting. Prescription diet pills are regulated by the government, so you can be sure that you are getting a safe product. However, it's a different story when it comes to herbs, vitamins and other supplements. Supplements are not regulated by the government, so you cannot be sure that the product you buy is what the label says it is. The best way to ensure a quality supplement is only to buy ones that have the letters USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or NF (National Formulary) on the label. These letters indicate that the product met purity and manufacturing standards.
2. You Need to be Monitored by a Physician
As with all prescriptions, herbs and supplements, you should keep your physician informed regarding what you are using. That way she can let you know if the product might interfere with other medicines you are taking or with any medical condition you have. She can also monitor for adverse side effects.
3. Effects on Your Heart
A majority of over the counter diet pills are made with caffeine or another stimulant. These stimulants cause your metabolism to go up by making your heart beat faster. This can be especially harmful for people with existing heart or blood pressure problems. Increasing your metabolism might be a good thing for weight loss, but causing your heart to beat extra fast isn't a good thing. Stay away from products that have caffeine, green tea extract, ephedra or ma huang as the main components. The best and safest way to increase your metabolism is through physical activity.
4. Diet Pills can be Addictive
It is possible to get addicted to diet pills--think of someone who can't go without their coffee in the morning. Similar to caffeine in beverages, pills that contain caffeine can become addictive. There are also people who have become addicted to laxatives as a way to control their weight. An addiction is a serious problem that requires help. For more information or to get help for addiction to diet pills, contact the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237 or www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
5. They are not for Long Term use
Diet pills should only be used for a few weeks to a few months. Even prescription diet pills have not been approved for more than use for two years. If you are looking for something that will help maintain your weight in the long term, try finding a registered dietitian, personal trainer or health coach to start working on your weight loss goals.
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