Are You Considering One Of These dangerous weight loss methods?

We're all looking for the magic bullet. 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? Some of these methods of weight loss just 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.
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, don't change your eating habits and 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 90s 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 those popular home remedies, used for purging. Regular use and abuse of
laxatives can result in low potassium’s, 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 won’t lead to other serious
medical conditions.