With many people being overweight or obese, fad diets and trends are increasingly becoming popular-especially weight loss supplements (diet pills). What most of us don’t understand is that weight loss only happens after a change of lifestyle. In fact, losing weight is basically making lifestyle changes that include eating a healthy diet and exercising. However, most individuals are after quick-fixes which produce instant results, but are extremely unhealthy and do not produce lasting weight loss.

The positive and negative side effects with weight loss pills

Most of the side effects of diet pills are minor and, although troublesome, they aren’t serious. Some pills are known to cause severe side effects, or might have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Apart from addiction, diet pills have plenty of positive and negative side effects including:

The pros

The most important effect of weight loss pills is that they help suppress hunger. To lose weight, you need to limit your calorie intake and these pills help you with that. Apart from suppressing hunger, diet pills also have a diuretic effect. This effect basically helps your system eliminate plenty of water held inside, thereby help you lose weight.

Some prescription weight loss supplements benefit certain people who are unable to shed weight through exercise and diet. However, these supplements aren’t for people who want to lose pounds for cosmetic reasons. Rather, they’re for those with a BMI greater than 30. If this describes your situation, taking a weight loss supplement under the guidance of a doctor can help you shed a small amount of weight as you make the behavioral and dietary changes necessary for long term weight loss success.

Although weight loss supplements offer modest weight loss-5% to 10% of total body weight-the reduction can help lower your blood pressure, lower your blood-sugar levels, lower your cholesterol and improve your insulin sensitivity. This, in turn, lowers your risk of getting diabetes.

The cons

Some diet pills contain antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and amphetamines. This is not only a dangerous combination, but these drugs are highly addictive as well. For many people, addiction can become a serious problem. Instead of focusing on eating well and exercising, some become hooked to the promise of fast and easy weight loss, so they end up being dependent on pills and get sick or depressed when they stop, continuing a cycle.

Many diet supplements are just a combination of diuretics, which lead to dehydration. At first, this leads to weight reduction, but not genuine fat loss, and water weight still returns. Besides, the extreme loss of water can cause serious dehydration.

Conclusion

It’s important to keep in mind that diet pills are often meant for short-term intake, so taking them past the recommended period of time can produce other side effects. These pills should only be taken after carefully reading the labels and directions. If you’re patient and set yourself reasonable goals, you can lose weight in a healthy manner. Again, weight loss supplements only work when combined with regular exercise and healthy eating. Don’t use these supplements unless prescribed by your doctor.