Diet pills health risks

Many people who are overweight are lured by mighty pills that can allow them to lose weight for short period of time. This is so wrong. As most doctors claim it is better to lose weight steadily and opt for a healthy diet and regular physical activity then to take a pill that may cause more damage than benefit. Furthermore, even though the market is full of 'magic' products that can assist in weight loss even if a person opts for such means of loosing weight he/she should consult a health care provider and get all the information about the positive effects of the drug as well as the potential side effects.

How Do Diet Pills Work?

The mechanism of action of diet pills depends on the particular pill. Most of them contain appetite suppressants, substances that reduce appetite. People eat less and subsequently lose weight. On the other hand, some diet pills increase the rate of metabolism and accelerate spending of calories taken via food. Diet pills can also act in the digestive system and bond fats not allowing them to be absorbed. This way the intake of calories drastically decreases. And finally, there are diet pills that accelerate elimination of food from the gastrointestinal tract. They are most dangerous particularly if used for a longer period of time.

Dangers of Diet Pills

Before being distributed as diet pills these products must be tested and approved by FDA. So prior to getting to the market diet pills undergo testing and conformation of all benefits as well as potential side effects. In case they have been shown to be dangerous they are immediately removed from the market.

Diet pills can be prescribed and are also available over-the-counter. People who buy these drugs over-the-counter must be familiar with the usage, dose and effects of the pill as well as all side effects. It is essential never to exceed the recommended dose since this never causes rapid loss of weight. On the contrary, excessive intake of diet pills always leads to side effects.

Diet Pills Health Risks

It is essential to follow the instructions and always take the prescribed or recommended dose of a diet pill. Since some diet pills may cause addiction and because of that cannot be taken for a longer period of time the person must make a pause and can only continue taking the pill after a suggested period of time.

Some of the most common side effects of diet pills include anxiety, nervousness, irritability, insomnia and general feeling of restlessness. Some people complain about elevated blood pressure, tightness in the chest and heart palpitations. The most serious side effects of diet pills are heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure. Gastrointestinal side effect of diet pills are vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and other stomach disturbances. Furthermore, diet pills may cause fever, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, profuse sweating, hair loss and in women there may be changes in menstrual cycle.