Millions of Americans take diet pills every year and I can understand the appeal. It seems like an easy way to lose weight. Commercials and advertisements for weight-loss supplements claim that with their products, you don't even have to diet or exercise. Why wouldn't everyone do it if it were that simple? These "natural" pills have taken the market in recent years due to the increasing trend toward healthy lifestyles and organics. So if you can lose weight naturally, why not, right?
Wrong. According to the New York Times, the Food and Drug Administration discovered that some pills claiming to be "natural" actually contain pharmaceutical drugs. This is dangerous for a number of reasons. The drugs can have serious side effects such as allergic reactions, heart palpitations, and even seizures. If they're mixed with other drugs, the effects can be fatal. So, will consumers care? Or will they continue to take the pills no matter what's inside?
Unfortunately for supporters like Kathie Lee Gifford, the popular supplement, StarCaps, was found to contain bumetanide, a diuretic that can cause dehydration and low blood pressure. Retailers like GNC have removed this product and others like it from the shelves, but they can still be found online. This is a brand that has been around for 25 years, but StarCaps isn't the only one found with undeclared substances. The F.D.A. has discovered 69 spiked weight-loss supplements, a list of which can be found in a news release on their website.
How is it that the F.D.A. has just found out that manufacturers fail to report certain ingredients? Weight-loss supplements already have a dubious reputation, so why aren't they more closely investigated? These are products made in China or Brazil and then sold to the American public. Although their standards are not the same as ours, U.S. regulators exist to ensure safe consumption. Of course, this is the reason for the consumer backlash of these products.
Essentially, if you're considering taking weight-loss supplements, you should always first consult your doctor. While not all weight loss supplements are harmful, it's always good to err on the side of caution and speak to your physician to ensure that what you want to take is safe for you. Of course there is always the old-fashioned way of losing weight with healthy eating and exercise. We know it works. It may take longer to lose the weight, but at least you know what's going into your body.
What do you think of natural weight-loss supplements? Should they be more closely regulated or do we consume them at our own risk?
