Dangerous Weight Loss Methods
Copyright 2005 Adam Waxler
We're all looking for that magic pill. You know - the one that
we can take and lose weight without really trying!
What would you give up to be skinny? How about your health?
Well, some of the methods of weight loss may cost you exactly
that. Before you decide that the way to lose weight is to follow
one of the below regimens, take a second look. Do your research
and be sure that you understand the risks.
Are you considering one of these dangerous weight loss methods?
*Prescription diet pills
Amphetamines are available only by prescription, and most
doctors are leery of handing them out these days. While they do
suppress appetite, you learn nothing about healthy eating, you
don't change your eating habits, and you are likely to gain the
weight back the moment you stop taking them. In addition, they
can be habit forming. The side effects include high blood
pressure, heart arrhythmia, sleeplessness, hallucinations and
delusions.
*Ephedra
This all natural Asian herb is found in many herbal remedies and
weight loss powders. It has a powerful appetite suppressant
effect, but has been implicated in over 70 deaths.
*Phentermine Fenfluramine-phentermine (fen-phen)
Fen-phen was a popular weight loss supplement in the 90's until
it was implicated in deaths due to heart-valve damage.
Phentermine alone is still sold in many weight loss aids. The
side effects include headaches, dizziness, heart arrhythmia,
high blood pressure and insomnia.
*Laxatives
One of the popular home remedies, used for purging. Regular use
and abuse of laxatives can result in low potassium, arrhythmia,
and pancreatic damage.
*Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame, the most commonly used artificial sweetener, has been
implicated in multiple lawsuits alleging damages that include
blindness, seizures and brain damage.
*Smoking
Afraid you'll gain weight if you quit smoking? The National
Institute of Diabetes says that you'd have to gain 100-150
pounds to match the health risks you invoke by smoking. Instead,
set up healthy strategies to help you deal with food cravings
and put down the cigarettes.
*Purging
Like laxatives, purging by forcing oneself to vomit or taking
emetics can have very damaging effects on health. Depletion of
nutrients like potassium and vitamins, damage to the esophagus
from stomach acids, and esophageal rupture are all possible side
effects.
*Diuretics
Taking diuretics encourages your body to rid itself of fluids -
including vital electrolytes. The depletion can lead to
dehydration, and cause your body to start retaining water,
starting a vicious cycle. Repeated or prolonged use of diuretics
can lead to kidney damage and serious electrolyte imbalances,
which may result in kidney or heart failure.
*Herbal Remedies
We have a tendency to equate 'herbal' with 'harmless', but say
nutritionists, this isn't always the case. Remember that many
medications are derived from herbs, and because of the lack of
regulation, dosages of active ingredients can vary widely from
one manufacturer to another. Below is a list of some of the most
common ingredients found in herbal weight loss powders, along
with cautions about their effects in certain conditions.
Ephedra (ma huang, ephedrine, ephedra extract, epitonin, ephdra
sinica and sida cordifolia) should not be taken by people with
heart, thyroid or kidney disease, or with hypertension
Cascara and Senna should not be taken by people taking diuretics
(both are often found in herbal weight loss teas)
Selenium and Capsaicin should not be taken by people with bowel
or digestive disorders
Kava should be avoided by people with mood disorders who are
taking mood altering medication, and people with Parkinson's
disease.
Gingko biloba, licorice root, and dong quay should not be taken
by people who are taking blood thinners or anti-coagulants.
While weight loss is a worthwhile goal, guarding your health is
an even more important one. Be sure that whatever weight loss
method you choose it won't lead to other serious medical
conditions.