What Are the Dangers of Weight Loss Pills?

Cheap weight loss pills are often dangerous, causing irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, high blood pressure and even death in some cases.

Potential Dangers

Many powerful ingredients in over-the-counter weight loss pills are comparable to amphetamines; because these pills are not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the number of deaths are unclear.

Effects

Weight loss pills typically reduce the appetite, lower the amount of carbohydrate or fat absorption, and/or speed up the metabolism with ingredients such as Hoodia Gordonii or Guarana that simulate the effects of caffeine.

Misconceptions

Diet pills do not effectively maintain weight loss for long periods of time; after a certain period, the body develops a tolerance to both the pills and the caloric intake, and a plateau effect will occur.

Prevention/Solution

Instead of using weight loss pills, reduce the number of calories daily, maintain a healthy diet and exercise at least three to four times a week.

Warning

Seek the advice of a doctor before taking any type of weight loss pill; some of the pills can cause complications in individuals with diabetes or in transplant patients.