Side Effects of Diet Pills

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The television had been on for an hour now, but Charles just sat on the large couch munching on potato chips and sipping on a soft drink while reading the newspaper until the moment an advertisement said "Would you like to lose weight and regain your confidence?" He put down the newspaper immediately and watched the advertisement with keen interest knowing that his dream of losing weight was available at the chemist, just around the corner. He couldn’t believe his luck that day!

There are many people like Charles who feel that their weight problem is keeping them from achieving things in life but are unable to make the decision to exercise or put in that extra effort. Whatever your idea of losing weight or your constraints that make you select that option, always remember to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. To help you do just that, here is information about diet pills.

Types of Diet Pills

Diet Pills are basically of two kinds:

Prescription Diet Pills: The pills that fall under this category require a doctor’s prescription. Prescription diet pills are also regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Over the Counter Diet Pills: As the name suggest, these diet pills do not require a doctor’s prescription. Diet pills that fall under this category are considered food products by the Food and Drug Administration. It is still advisable to contact your doctor before taking these diet pills.

Diet pills - How They Work

Basically diet pills suppress the appetite by making the brain tell the person that he/she is full. It does this by affecting the hypothalamus, a gland which is located just above the brain stem. The other ingredients in the diet pills also fill the person's colon or stomach with a low or no calorie fiber or a substance that resembles it. Metabolism is also increased by other ingredients in diet pills. When metabolism is increased calories are burnt faster and thus more energy is spent. Eating fewer calories thus helps the person stay the same weight or lose more. Another class of ingredients present in diet pills also increases the person's energy level and improves mood overall.

Side Effects of Diet Pills

Dependency

It is important to remember that you can actually get addicted to some of the diet pills especially the ones that are stimulant-based. Thus apart from dealing with a problem with weight, you might also turn into an addict.

Other Side Effects of Diet Pills

Fever
Hair Loss
Anxiety
Blurred Vision
Depression
Insomnia
Convulsions
Constipation
Nervousness
Hallucinations
Hyperactivity
Strokes
Impotence
Fatigue and Dizziness
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Dryness in the Mouth
High Blood Pressure
Irregular Heartbeat
Pain in the Chest
Damage of the Kidneys
Shortness of Breath
Palpations of the Heart
Unbearable Headaches
Problems in the Urinary Tract

Apart from the side effects mentioned above, sometimes diet pills also cause heart damage and heart attacks.

Whatever your decision; do consult a doctor before opting for diet pills. Also remember not to take diet pills if you are pregnant or have the following health problems:

Glaucoma
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Anxiety Disorders
Thyroid Problems
High Blood pressure
Cold and are taking decongestants

The decision is certainly yours, but before you actually make up your mind, do remember that you are precious and that you can lose weight naturally too. It might not seem the easiest way to do so, but it certainly is a healthier option. Here’s wishing you all the best in your endeavor!