The dangers of diet pills

A diet pill may offer a quick fix for losing weight, but it can come at the cost of your overall health. It's important to understand the risks of these dangerous pills.

According to the Canadian Parliament, an estimated 1 per cent of Canadians use diet pills or stimulants.

While this may not seem like a high percentage, it is likely underestimated because it is an unregulated market.

• Diet pills don't come with a satisfaction guarantee, so buying is done at your own risk.
• Be wary of glowing online reviews for diet pills because these are likely  posts paid by the manufacturer.

Because diet pills are often unregulated, they can contain banned ingredients that are directly linked with diseases and health problems like heart attacks, diabetes and stroke.

• The stimulants inside a diet pill are often prescription drugs that were banned from being sold to consumers, but are used in diet pills because they are not regulated by any government entity.

Like anything, too much of one thing can lead to a person becoming addicted.

• However, this risk is multiplied when talking about diet pills because they can contain amphetamines, antidepressants and other prescription drugs.
• This dangerous cocktail of ingredients can lead to a substance abuse problem.

Because diet pills can contain high quantities of caffeine, expect to experience the jitters.

• Given that you often have to take two pills at least twice a day, this excess caffeine can lead to debilitating headaches, trouble sleeping and a racing heart.
• In addition, diet pills sometimes contain fat blockers that reduce the amount of fat that the body absorbs. This can lead to stomach problems like constipation and diarrhea.

You are likely turning to a diet pill because your eating and exercise habits aren't working.

• While a diet pill may help you lose weight, it won't change your lifestyle. Instead, a diet pill is a quick-fix solution that may not even work in the short-term.

There are more effective and healthy ways to lose weight.

• Start by increasing your exercise a little bit each day until you are doing at least 30 minutes of moderate cardio and weightlifting five times a week.
• Additionally, keep track of your food intake, pay attention to labels and focus on eating natural foods that are not processed, fried or full of sugar.