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.
Your
Personal Trainer home.