Despite the many claims provided by the weight loss industry, there's still no magic pill that will cause pounds to drop off without effort. Even in the case of pills that do provide some positive results, there's still the consideration of side effects. Diet pills cannot and should not be used by people with medical conditions or as a substitute for healthy eating and an active lifestyle.
Limited Results
Except for prescription diet pills, which contain high-potency ingredients, most diet pills provide limited to no help with weight loss efforts. The Mayo Clinic examined a number of ingredients commonly used in weight loss pills and concluded that most provide little help or that there's no sufficient evidence to prove they are effective. According to their website, some are likely to be completely ineffective, which is the case with guar gum. Another common problem with diet pills is that they cause the dieter to depend on them for weight loss, so even if they do work, dieters are likely to regain any lost weight after going off the pills. Most diet pills come with no diet or exercise recommendations, which is the basis for any effective, long-lasting weight loss.
Troublesome Side Effects
One of the major problems with the diet pills on the market is their side effects. Because there are different types of pills on the market, varying from fat blockers to appetite suppressants, side effects can vary considerably. For example, fat blockers will not allow your body to process fat, and as a result they can cause diarrhea or oily stool, fecal incontinence, stomach cramps and oily spotting. Some pills contain stimulants that will speed up your metabolism and in the process can cause insomnia, restlessness, headaches and skin rashes. Others may increase thirst or worsen acne.
Medical Problems
Certain diet pills can lead to medical problems. Fat blockers, for example, can cause vitamin deficiencies, as certain vitamins (such as A, E and K) are fat-soluble and won't be absorbed if the body is rejecting fat. This can lead to a number of health issues, and it can also affect the health of your skin and nails. Diet pills that increase metabolism, such as those containing caffeine or other stimulants, can raise blood pressure and lead to congestive heart failure, anxiety or dizziness in serious cases. Fat blockers can also diminish the absorption of prescription pills and thus interfere with treatment. Some prescription diet pills, such as Meridia, work by suppressing appetite and in the process affect levels of serotonin, the brain chemical that controls mood. This is usually a good thing, although people taking antidepressants may not be able to take Meridia because of the possible interactions.
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