Weight loss diet pills are the latest rage in the health and fitness market. People are looking for various means by which they can get rid of those extra ounces of fat from the body. Almost 55% Americans are affected with obesity which has come into being a life threatening disease and imposes several risk factors to health including diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea, insomnia, increased levels of stress etc. Obesity is the accumulation of fats making the body look out of shape and overweight. It is the outcome of sedentary lifestyles, high intake of junk food, lack of physical activity and increased job pressure.
Diet pills are consumed by a number of people looking to reduce weight quickly. There are various types of pills available in the market including homeopathic elixirs, herbal pills, ephedrine based diet pills, caffeine pills, over the counter pills etc. These pills are also known as fat burners and induce weight loss by various mechanisms. Some pills curb appetite while others enhance metabolism. Another category of pills helps release calories by inducing diarrhea and have a laxative effect on the system.
Before taking any weight loss pills, it is recommended that you consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if the pill is likely to benefit you or not. Over the counter pills as well as caffeine pills are unhealthy and potentially dangerous for the body. You must also keep your present medical condition, allergies to any drugs and family medical history in mind before taking any weight loss diet pills. These pills are not recommended for pregnant and nursing women and must be avoided from those recovering from an illness or surgery.
Types of weight loss diet pills:
There are various types of pills for weight loss:
Placebos: These pills are made of sugar and chalk and are of no use to dieters.
Ephedra pills: These are also known as ephedrine or Ma Huang and are popular diet pills. Ephedrine is a synthetic alkaloid found in a number of over the counter (OTC) medications and dietary supplements. It stimulates the nervous system and cardiovascular system. It induces weight loss by suppressing appetite and stimulating the oxidation of fat. Caffeine is also a prominent ingredient of most ephedrine pills. They are typical fat burners and have a number of side effects including nausea, vomiting, strokes, heart attack, kidney failure, miscarriages, insomnia etc.
Venom Hyperdrive: This pill works by suppressing appetite, increasing energy and stamina and helps melt away fat. The side effects include hypertension, arteriole constriction, heart attack, stroke, heart palpitation, insomnia and even death.
Guarana: It is a caffeine alkaloid, a natural diuretic and laxative. Side effects include increased heart beat, high blood pressure, heart palpitation etc.
Chitosan: This dietary fiber – like substance is derived from chitin that makes the hard shells of crabs, lobsters and other shellfish. It binds fat to other fat soluble substances in the body and helps excrete this as body waste. Side effects include blockage of the absorption of fat soluble vitamins,
Cartinine: It is manufactured from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine. It plays a vital role in the transportation of long chain fatty acids to the mitochondria for oxidation.
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid): It is a fatty acid processed from sunflower or safflower oil. It is found in the rumens of cattle and helps decrease body fat by increasing the development of lean muscle mass. It also reduces appetite.
Tips for taking diet pills safely:
• Take the pill with a whole glass of water.
• Do not crush it or dissolve it in a beverage before ingestion.
• Never exceed the recommended dosage.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water to ward off the diuretic effect of pills.
• Follow an appropriate diet and exercise plan with the pill.
• Stop taking diet pills after three months to avoid any health problems.
The key to reducing weight lies in regular exercise, intake of a well balanced nutritious diet and proper rest. It is essential for you to take mandatory precautions while taking these pills and discontinue them in case of experiencing any side effects.