The popularity of using diet pills in a weight loss program has greatly increased in recent years.
The Nutrition Business Journal estimated the value of the diet supplements industry in the US alone at above $23 billion in 2009.
The industry includes prescription treatments based on chemicals, over-the-counter pills and supplements based on natural herbs, and drugs recently approved for general sale by pharmacists.
Using diet pills is often accompanied by undesirable side effects, which differ depending on the active methodology of the particular pill.
Appetite suppressants contain chemicals which affect the brain, to reduce the desire for food.
Along with this benefit, users have reported negative effects including confusion, nausea and even hallucinations.
Some pills help to reduce weight by increasing the metabolic rate of the body.
As well as being habit-forming, here are many dangerous side effects of these pills because they raise the blood pressure.
This mechanism has serious implications for people who are at risk of coronary diseases, or strokes.
Additional side effects can include restlessness, and nervousness.
Although it is not really a side effect, taking diet pills may provide only a short term solution to assisting weight loss.
Appetite suppressants in particular encourage a person to reduce the intake of calories, and the body in turn responds by reducing its metabolic weight.
People may find that their body weight drops at first, but soon stabilises at a new level.
It is generally true that prescription diet pills contain stronger active ingredients than those sold over-the-counter, and have accordingly more intense side effects.
This is partly why access to these solutions is controlled through a medical professional, prescribed only for limited periods, and only for those patients whose current weight alone constitutes a health risk.
Diet pills that work by inhibiting the intake of fats, but allow these to pass through the digestive system, may result in cramping, gas and diarrhoea.
Additionally they can reduce the intake of important vitamins which must be supplemented by even more dietary supplements.
These side effects can be socially embarrassing, as highlighted in a 2007 MSNBC article on an over-the-counter pill that caused diarrhoea.
In 2010 an independent Mayo Clinic report summarised the research around the effectiveness of various over the counter diet pills and supplements, and reported a range of results, from "effective", through "possibly effective" and "insufficient reliable evidence to rate".
Many of the products in the study have known side effects.
Whether diet pills are prescribed by a doctor, or purchased over-the-counter, the following rules can help reduce the risks of side effects: 1.
Consult your doctor for advice, even if you are planning to use supplements which can be purchased over-the-counter.
2.
Follow the usage instructions on the labels.
Overdosing substantially increases the probability of adverse side effects.
3.
Check that the active ingredient of the diet pills does not conflict with any other medication you are taking.
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to assist in this area.
4.
If you do experience side effects, be sure to consult your doctor, to evaluate their effects on you.
High blood pressure, for example, may be of vital importance for certain people.
5.
Use diet pills only for a limited time.
6.
Be very careful using diet pills to assist children, as they are not recommended for people under 16 (with few exceptions) 7.
If you are pregnant, ensure you consult your doctor before starting any new dietary program, especially one involving diet pills.