In this fast paced world we live in, more and more women are replacing a healthy diet and exercise with the so-called “convenience” of over-the counter diet pills as a means to lose those excess pounds.
The goal of most diet pills for women is the suppression of appetite. These appetite suppressants come in the form of sympathomimetic drugs or as bulking agents. Other diet pills, such as Orlistat, aid in the mobilization and burning of excess fats.
Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned over a 100 diet pills and weight loss products whose ingredients have produced dangerous side effects or have not been scientifically documented at all to be effective. First and foremost among these banned ingredients is Ephedra, which has been found to cause heart attacks and strokes. Another drug with side effects similar to Ephedra is the cold preparation Phenylpropanolamine (PPA). Aside from increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, sibutramine (Meridia) also causes abdominal pain, nasal and sinus inflammation, dysmenorrheal, headaches and seizures. Rimonabant – a weight loss drug developed in Europe – causes serious psychiatric problems including depression and suicidal ideation.
On the other hand, bulking agents like guar gum have been found to swell inside the gastrointestinal tract which may block the throat and/or stomach. Despite glowing reviews and testimonials, manufacturers of grapefruit extract products have not scientifically demonstrated its effectiveness in weight loss.
Don’t just take any diet pills for women that you see on TV, the Net or recommended to you by friends or loved ones. Do some research first. List down the ingredients of the product and cross check it with the list of banned diet pill ingredients in the FDA website. Always consult with your doctor first if you do need to take a diet pill. If you have an existing medical condition, any diet pills you take might aggravate your disease and/or cause life-threatening symptoms.