Diet pills have become an extremely popular choice for those looking to lose weight. There is a wide range available on the market and many people are under the false illusion that they are 100% safe to take; particularly weight-loss supplements. After all, when you think of supplements, they are often advertised as being 100% natural. Unfortunately, even natural supplements can have nasty side effects.
When you look into it, you may actually be shocked by just how many side effects are associated with diet pills. Before parting with your hard-earned cash, below you’ll discover the most common side effects you are highly likely to experience.
Diarrhea, gas, and cramps
Some of the most common side effects experienced include digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas, and cramps. These are particularly common in fat blockers such as Xenical. Designed to eliminate excess fat through the intestines, the side effects associated with these pills can be really uncomfortable. Diarrhea is especially common with a lot of diet pills; particularly in the first few weeks of taking them.
Decreasing the body’s supply of essential vitamins and minerals
One potential side effect a lot of people don’t know about is the fact that some pills can reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. This can leave you with a deficiency. Nutrient deficiencies of any kind can turn into potentially serious illnesses. Therefore if you are taking diet pills, it’s often advised to take multivitamins too.
Increased blood pressure
High blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems and it is something that millions of people suffer from. If you’re already worried about this condition then you will want to completely avoid taking diet pills. This is because they can affect the sympathetic nervous system which in turn increases blood pressure as well as the heart rate. This is especially the case if you’re taking appetite suppressant pills. One of the worst offenders is Sibutramine and the FDA actually discovered that from February 2008 to March 2003, a total of 49 people died because of the drug.
Insomnia
Insomnia is another common side effect and is typically caused by the caffeine contained within diet pills. It isn’t just caffeine either; a lot of weight loss drugs contain stimulants that can keep you awake for hours on end. The trouble is, insomnia can affect every part of your life. Not only will you end up feeling constantly fatigued, but it also increases stress levels, a loss of concentration, skin problems, and it basically has a negative effect on every part of your life.
Headaches
Potentially the most common side effect of diet pills, headaches vary in severity. They are usually mild and a mere annoyance, but can become quite severe. You will usually notice these occur within the first few days of starting the pills. However, if they continue for long periods of time you should stop taking the drugs and consult a doctor.
Potentially serious side effects
While the side effects above tend to be the most common, there are also serious potential side effects you need to be aware of. These include:
- Personality changes
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Confusion
- Speech difficulties
Personality changes are uncommon, but they have been reported in connection with some diet pills; particularly Phentermine. This is a prescription drug that works by suppressing the appetite.
Panic attacks are also a possibility in pills that affect the nervous system. Mild anxiety can be a common side effect, but in some cases, it can become particularly severe. Panic attacks are scary and difficult to deal with.
Depression and confusion are also a risk. If you find your mood is drastically changing then you should stop taking the diet pills and consult a doctor. Speech difficulties are one of the rarest side effects, but there is always a small risk involved.
Always consult a doctor before taking diet pills
It is worth noting that there are a lot of effective, completely safe diet pills out there. However, due to the large amount available on the market, it can be difficult to tell which ones are safe and which should be well avoided. Doing your research is one way of identifying the best diet pills. However, it is always recommended that you consult a doctor before taking any new medications; even if they are considered natural supplements.
Even supplements can react with various medications. For example, some can thin the blood, which means if you are already taking blood-thinning medication, it could present a real problem.
Overall diet pills do come with side effects and it is very important to be aware of them. Everybody is different and the way a certain pill reacts with the body will differ from person to person. If you do experience any side effects, consult your doctor to ensure you aren’t at risk of any serious problems.