The Reckless Pursuit of Weight Loss

It is a sad fact that some people who are pursuing weight loss do so using one or more methods that could, potentially, be harmful to their health. There are two common reasons for this. The first is ignorance of the dangers; in all innocence, some people are enticed by weight loss methods which they do not know have hidden dangers. The second is desperation; for one reason or another the pursuit of weight loss becomes something of an obsession, and they will try every method available, regardless of the dangers.

The article below looks at the possible dangers and side effects of some methods of losing weight.

Which Weight Loss Methods Can Be Dangerous?

It is understandable that people who want to lose weight yearn for a simple, easy and low or no effort method. If only there were a magic pill, so we could lose weight yet still continue our lives as they are: bad diet and little exercise.

There are some methods that have been pushed over recent years which could fall into that category, at least in terms of claims. But what are the hidden sacrifices you may have to make in using these methods?

Well, you could sacrifice your health for a start? Some of these weight loss methods may just cost you exactly that: your health. So, before you decide that the way to lose weight is to follow one of the methods below, take a second look at those you may be considering seriously. Research them and be sure that you understand the risks involved, for risks there are.

Phentermine Fenfluramine-phentermine (fen-phen)

Phentermine Fenfluramine-phentermine, or fen-phen for short, 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

Prescription diet pills

Amphetamines are available only by prescription in most countries, and most doctors are wary of prescribing them these days. While amphetamines do suppress appetite, you will learn nothing about healthy eating, and they will not help you change your eating habits. As soon as you stop taking them, you are likely to gain the weight that you have lost. In addition, amphetamines can be habit forming. The side effects include high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, sleeplessness, hallucinations and delusions

Diuretics

Taking diuretics encourages your body to rid itself of fluids, and these include 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 could result in kidney or heart failure.

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

Many people think they will gain weight if they stop smoking? The National Institute of Diabetes says that you would need to put on 100-150 pounds in weight to equal the health risks associated with smoking. Instead, you should establish 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

Herbal Remedies

We have a tendency to think of herbal remedies as harmless, but, say nutritionists, that is not 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.

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.

Ephedra

This is an all natural Asian herb that is found in many herbal remedies, and weight loss powders (ma huang, ephedrine, ephedra extract, epitonin, ephdra sinica and sida cordifolia). It has a powerful appetite suppressant effect, but has been implicated in over 70 deaths. Ephedra should not be taken by people with heart, thyroid or kidney disease, or with hypertension.

One of the purposes of losing weight, if you are overweight or obese, is to improve your health. It would be such a pity to harm your health in attempting to lose that weight. So be sure to choose a sensible and safe method to lose weight, and consult your doctor about any health doubts.