by Amber Ogden

Created on: December 28, 2006   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Weight loss supplements can be a bit overbearing at times. They all basically promise the same thing, super fast weight loss and energy. However, as with any drug, a certain health risk is evident. We will discuss some key ingredients of many diet supplements and their health risks.

Heart damage is one of the biggest health risks when taking a diet supplement. Most of these drugs aim to speed metabolism, which can cause strain on a weak heart. There are no diet supplements that are completely safe for someone who already suffers from heart problems. Even the most natural sounding diet pill can be very dangerous.

Over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss pills are probably the fastest growing diet supplement on the market. However, most of these drugs are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, unlike prescription diet pills, these products are not subject to the same guidelines on advertising and dosage. Many OTC diet pills contain an unregulated amount of powerful amphetamine-like properties, which have been associated with serious side effects including death.

Diet pill manufacturing companies are steadily increasing supplements that work on the brain to curb cravings, suppress appetite or speed metabolism. These pills are becoming more powerful, without any evidence to support such weight loss claims. One of the key ingredients in many diet supplements is ephedra; also know as "ma huang." This ingredient has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, seizures and death. In 1997, the FDA issued warnings to manufacturers for improper labeling, as well as issued warnings to consumers about these labels. They also issued a proposed rule that would require a health warning on the label of all dietary supplements containing ephedrine, and prohibit a dietary supplement from containing both ephedrine alkaloids (the active ingredient in ephedrine) and stimulants.

The side effects and dangers of taking OTC drugs are mainly attributed to a cocktail of ingredients. And because dosage instructions can be inadequate, it makes these supplements even more dangerous. Possible side effects include tremors, dizziness, nervousness, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure and heart failure. Diet pills that work on the brain to suppress appetite have slightly different side effects which include chest pain, fever, hair loss, depression and heart damage.

To completely avoid many of these risks while taking diet supplements, ask your doctor. If you have been steadily dieting and exercising with no weight loss results, it is recommended that you consult your physician to eliminate possible health problems that could be causing your weight problems in the first place. When you talk to your doctor about weight loss and diet pills, be sure to list any medical problems you currently have. Also, take a list of medications you are currently taking. Ask to be examined for high blood pressure. Also, ask your physician for other weight loss alternatives that may be safer for you. If he suggests a diet pill, ask for possible side effects. Examine the risks compared to the results with your doctor. When you decide on a diet pill, see your doctor 30 days after taking it to discuss your results.

For some people, the risks involved with taking diet supplements significantly outweigh the results any person would receive. To experience optimal health and reap the full benefits of weight loss, continue with nutritional foods, exercise, and no diet pills. For ideal weight loss results, be smart about what goes into your body, including supplements.

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