by Jennifer Brister

Created on: January 28, 2008

As long as Americans are obsessed with finding a quick fix to lose weight, there will be new and dangerous diet pills on the market. Even those that pass FDA regulations can case numerous afflictions. Addiction, heart problems and stroke are only a few of the negative ways that diet pills can affect us.

The lure of diet pills is overwhelming, especially since 60 percent of adults and 11 percent of children ages 6 to 17 are overweight. Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are often caused by obesity, but the dangers of diet pills often outweigh the risks of even these horrible diseases. These pill can cause lifelong illnesses or, in some cases, death.

Of the many hazards associated with taking diet pills, heart related complications seem to be at the very top. A vast majority of weight loss supplements boost the metabolism through the use of stimulants. These stimulants rev up the heart causing unnecessary strain. For someone who is suffering, either aware of unaware, from a weak heart, this is no small peril. And though many diet pills claim to contain natural ingredients, the effects of these ingredients on the body in most cases have not been studied and many times have been hastily approved by the FDA or not approved at all.

Stimulants such as Phenylpropanolamine are common ingredients in countless diet pills. These stimulants effect the central nervous system and can produce symptoms such as increased heart rate, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, dry mouth and diarrhea. Taking a drug that contains this ingredient is very similar to taking illegal narcotics.

Ephedrine is also found in many diet pills and food supplements and is probably the most deadly ingredient. It has been linked to an ever increasing amount of deaths from heart attacks, seizures and strokes. Its side effects can include irregular and rapid heart rates, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, chest pains, breathing problems, headaches, anxiety and cardiac arrest.

Addiction to these drugs is often a problem. Comparable to the feeling of being on speed, these pills can make you feel as if you are able to conquer any obstacle. This feeling is oftentimes extremely addictive. Overdoses, however, can cause tremors, confusion, hallucinations, shallow breathing, renal failure, heart attack and convulsions.

If you are currently taking any form of diet pills, discuss them with your doctor and check to see if he or she can help you with a more effective and less dangerous way to lose weight.

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