Do Diet Pills Work

By: Chris Chenoweth

If you need to lose weight and are considering diet pills, please read the following information that lists the facts, benefits and risks related to diet pill usage. You can then make a better-informed decision.

FACTS ABOUT DIET PILLS:

*All doctor-prescribed diet pills are designed for overweight people suffering from obesity. They are anti-obesity drugs - not pills for fast or easy weight loss.

REPEAT: They are not the solution for fast or easy weight loss.

*Diet pills, supplements, and other weight loss medications are not going to magically melt away your fat and solve your weight problem by themselves. Diet pills offer short-term support at best.

*If using diet pills, make them part of a comprehensive weight-loss program that includes regular exercise and a healthy low-calorie diet. Otherwise, all you will lose is your money.

*Beware of over-the-counter diet pills, weight loss products and dietary supplements. These weight loss products are NOT regulated, can contain harmful ingredients, contain ingredients that have no proven weight loss benefits, and may damage your weight and health.

*Beware of diet pills advertised as NATURAL or HERBAL. Weight loss pills are not necessarily healthier or more effective for weight loss because they contain so-called natural ingredients. Herbal ingredients contained in diet pills are linked to a wide range of health problems.

*Beware of diet pills called fat-burners when trying to lose weight. The only effective and safe way to directly raise metabolism and burn fat is to increase exercise.

*If you are thinking of buying diet pills, always consult your doctor FIRST. Discuss your weight loss options fully and ask about all the known side effects and health risks of the diet pills suggested.

*When taking diet pills, ALWAYS follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

*Do not stay on diet pills for more than 4-6 weeks without consulting your doctor.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF DIET PILLS:

Over the short term, weight loss in obese individuals can reduce a number of health risks. Studies have found that some diet pills lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and decrease insulin resistance over the short term when used as a treatment on obesity-related health risks. However, long-term studies are needed to determine if diet and weight loss pills can improve health.

POTENTIAL RISKS OF DIET PILLS:

When considering long-term weight loss medication treatment for obesity, you should consider the many potential risks. The two major risks are:

*Abuse of or dependence on diet pills - Currently, all prescription drugs to treat obesity are controlled substances, meaning doctors must follow certain restrictions when prescribing these medications. Although abuse and dependence are rare with non-amphetamine appetite-suppressant medications, doctors should be cautious when they prescribe these medications for patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

*Development of tolerance to diet pills - Most studies of weight loss drugs show that the weight of a patient tends to level off after four to six months while still on medication. While some patients and physicians believe that this shows tolerance to the diet pills, the leveling off may mean that the medication has reached its limit of effectiveness.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF DIET PILLS:

Because weight loss medications are used to treat a condition that affects millions of people, many of whom are basically healthy; their potential for side effects is of immense concern. Most side effects are mild and usually improve with continued treatment. Rarely, serious and even fatal results can occur.

Some known side effects are sleeplessness, nervousness, and euphoria. Elevations in blood pressure and pulse, which are usually small but may be significant in some patients, can occur. People with poorly controlled high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or history of stroke should not take diet pills without the approval and supervision of their doctor.

POTENTIAL EFFECTIVENESS OF DIET PILLS:

Diet and weight loss drugs or pills, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are not MAGIC BULLETS. They cannot take the place of improving your diet and becoming more physically active. The major role of medications is to help a person stay on a healthy diet and exercise plan to lose weight and keep it off.

In summary, before you consider using diet pills, ALWAYS consult with your doctor first. Only he/she can knowledgeably advise you on your options.