They promise quick fixes, the lean body you’ve always dreamed of and instant results. But are they too good to be true? Weight loss pills are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those dieting or wanting to drop the pounds quickly. While some pills are harmless, others have heavy negative repercussions.
Before taking a new pill it’s important to know the potential side effects and whether the good outweighs the bad. Negative side effects include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, agitation, diarrhea, sleeplessness, kidney problems, liver damage and rectal bleeding.
These sound pretty bad, right? So why would people still take them? Common answers include insecurities about weight, vulnerability, and fitting into society’s standard of attractiveness. These seem to be the top contenders when it comes to the personal choice to take weight loss pills.
Most pills and drugs do have side effects, however, bad personal experiences seem to outweigh the good when it comes to weight loss pills.
The really scary thing is that weight loss pills currently don’t have to be medically approved. This isn’t including weight-loss drugs that a doctor prescribes to those heavily overweight. Weight loss pills are currently classified as a supplement, not a drug. This means they don’t have to undergo heavy medical testing. Rather, they are backed up by ‘research’. This could simply mean one person’s experience and marketing jargon used to promote the pill.
Sentences like ‘may do’, ‘can support’ or ‘could help’ are used to make claims which aren’t scientifically supported. In the US it is common for pills to be released into the market without testing. These are often banned later down the track by the FDA because of severe negative effects. There have been many instances where people are HOSPITALIZED due to bad reactions. An incident in 2018 left an individual hospitalized after becoming unconscious. They had a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to the pill Calocurb. This pill is still on the market today.
Weight loss pills are often marketed under the facade of ‘natural’ and ‘a health food’. This seems absurd considering their fabricated nature. Many are made from natural supplements like Green Tea, Bitter Orange, Garcinia Cambogia (fruit extract) and caffeine which makes some people feel like they “can’t be that bad” if they’re all-natural.
However, when taken in high doses or combined with other medications they can be harmful. They are often marketed as the magic pill; eat all you want, don’t exercise and you’ll be skinny in no time. This is particularly detrimental as it throws away a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
There are zero known health benefits for taking weight loss pills.
It’s not only your physical condition that can suffer from weight loss pills, but they are also commonly associated with anxiety and other mental health issues. Stimulants that are found in the pills can contribute to agitation, irritability, mood swings and feelings of anxiety. If you have a pre-existing mental illness this can be worsened by weight loss pills.
At the end of the day weight loss pills are only a short term solution. They aren’t sustainable or healthy and often come with negative implications. The best way to lose weight is through a balanced meal plan, exercising regularly and living a healthy lifestyle.
For long-term success, you need to find a healthy, sustainable plan that works for YOU. Check out our meal plan options for a weight-loss solution that won’t put you at risk.
