Everyone knows it’s important to maintain a healthy weight. However, some methods of weight loss are more effective than others and some are also safer than others. In fact, some methods of weight control are very dangerous. If you’re using any of the methods discussed here to lose weight, please talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
Ipecac Syrup
Many people with eating disorders abuse a syrup called Ipecac to help induce vomiting. Ipecac should only be used in cases of accidental poisoning. Repeated use can cause the heart muscle to weaken. It can cause irregular heartbeats, chest pains, breathing problems, rapid heart rate, and cardiac arrest. Ipecac is very dangerous and it has been the cause of death in many people suffering with an eating disorder. If you are using this, please speak to your doctor immediately.
Laxatives
Stimulant laxatives such as Ex-Lax and Correctol are the most common laxatives used by people with eating disorders. Laxatives have little or no effect on reducing weight because by the time they work, the calories have already been absorbed. The person usually feels like they have lost weight because of the amount of fluid that is lost. That feeling is only temporary because the body will start to retain water within a 48 to 72 hour period. This usually leaves the person feeling bloated and fearing they are gaining weight. This is usually what leads to repeated use of these products. Laxative abuse can cause bloody diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, and dehydration. Many people also find that after prolonged use they cannot move their bowels without them. They may experience constipation, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Laxative abuse is very dangerous and can lead to permanent damage to the bowels, severe medical complications, and even death.
Laxatives are not always used for the sole purpose of trying to rid the body of calories that have been consumed, however. Just like vomiting is sometimes used as a way for someone to release built up feelings and emotions, laxatives can also be used for this purpose. A person may also abuse laxatives as a way to harm themselves. The physical pain resulting from laxative abuse may be a reason that a person continues to use them. They may believe they deserve the pain or they may find that dealing with physical pain easier then dealing with emotional pain.
Diuretics (water pills)
Diuretics are much like laxatives in the sense that they give a person a feeling of weight loss. When taken, a person will only lose vital fluids and electrolytes. Within a day or two the body will react and start to retain water, which is usually what causes a person to use them repeatedly. Abuse of diuretics usually leads to dehydration, which can cause kidney damage. Electrolyte imbalances can occur from repeated use, which is very serious. Your body’s electrolytes need to be in balance in order for your organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and liver, to function properly. Once the electrolytes go out of balance, a person is at very high risk for heart failure and sudden death. Diuretics do not cause weight loss, but repeated use can cause serious medical complications.
Diet Pills
The sale of diet pills continues to be on the rise in North America. Many people are lead to believe that they are a safe and effective way to lose weight. Most diet pills on the market are not safe, however, and many can cause serious side effects and have even resulted in death.
For instance, popular diet pills such as Acutrim and Dexatrim contain a combination of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine. Phenylpropanolamine is a stimulant and affects the central nervous system. It can produce symptoms such as increased heart rate, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Caffeine can also cause anxiety and insomnia, and in large enough amounts, it interferes with the absorption of many important nutrients like iron and calcium.
Ephedrine is another ingredient found in many diet pills and food supplements, and is probably the most dangerous. It has been linked to many deaths from heart attacks, seizures, and strokes. Its side effects can include irregular and rapid heart rates, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, chest pain, breathing problems, headaches, anxiety, and cardiac arrest.
Diet pills are simply not an effective or healthy way to lose weight. They are very dangerous and can lead to serious medical problems and death.
Follow this link to learn more about dangerous diets for weight control.