Letty's Liposuction Directory

No Really... Do Diet Pills Work?

Author: Letty's Staff Writer

This article will discuss non surgical liposuction – diet supplements.

So, we'll be talking about the alternative to liposuction that involves taking over-the-counter substances to affect weight-loss.

If you were looking for an honest discussion about alternatives to liposuction (particularly weightloss supplements)...

then you've come to the right place...

Let's get this discussion started.

How popular are supplements for weight-loss?

Here in the United States the herbal supplement/diet pill industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise.

Millions of Americans swear by their particular supplement of choices. Whether they feel that it will calm their nerves, prolong their lives, enhance their libidos, or reshape their bodies – many folks are committed to purchasing and taking supplements daily.

Again this data pertains to the U.S.

BUT with the expanding waistlines around the globe – one can surmise that the upward trend seen the in U.S. may also be true for the world as well (particularly industrialized nations).

It is clear that many people want non surgical liposuction alternatives... AND – let's face – don't particularly want to diet and exercise either.

How do diet pills work?

Diet pills work in a variety of ways. The main categories of their interaction with the human body include the following:

1. Appetite Suppressants. These are a class of substances that work by curbing the appetite. However the specific biochemical mechanism is often not understood. BUT individuals who take hunger-diminishing supplements report that they either "feel full faster" or "don't experience as much desire to eat". As a result – the individual takes in fewer calories over the course of the day.
2. Enzyme Inhibitors. Inhibitors diminish the body's ability to derive calories from ingested foods. Calories are then excreted in the bowel that would otherwise have contributed to weight gain. Theoretically, these types of substances decrease the amount of calories taken in by the individual throughout the day.
3. Thermogenic Enhancers. Unlike appetite suppressants and enzyme inhibitors – thermogenic enhancers increase the caloric expenditure. So – in theory – individuals are able to eat the same amount of food they normally would – BUT the enhancer will up-regulate their metabolism to burn more calories. So, the end result is that with they should be able to lose weight due to increased calorie burned.
4. Laxatives and diuretics. Laxatives and diuretics reportedly contribute to weight loss by the excretion of toxins and debris from the body. It is thought that this bodily "gunk" contributes to excess weight, and lethargy – which then has a negative impact on the waistline. Energy and vitality are restored when the body's systems are cleaned – thus contributing positively to weight loss.

These mechanisms generally have one of two major goals – either to reduce caloric intake, or to increase calorie utilization. If a supplement can achieve either of these aims – it is thought that weight loss can be enhanced.

What are some key ingredients in diet pills and what do they do?

The following table lists some common weight loss ingredients popular in today's over-the-counter diet supplements – AND their effects.

Do diet pills work?

There are some animal studies showing that many of the ingredients listed above may have limited usefulness for weight loss.

Many other studies show that these same ingredients are not effective for weight loss, weight maintenance, or non surgical liposuction. But that doesn't mean that there aren't other benefits to using these herbs and compounds.

Based on the review of literature that I've done – I feel comfortable in saying that there is no "magic pill" that you can take to make all of your poor dietary choices go away.

What are the risks associated with diet pills?

Most people don't associate herbal supplements, vitamins and minerals with negative consequences.

We all understand that vitamins are good for us.

However, there are some risks that perhaps aren't well known that are associated with taking over-the-counter diet pills. The following table lists risks associated with the previously mentioned substances (herbs, amino acids, vitamins):

From this short list – alone – you can see that diet supplements and their ingredients do have potential side effects.

The best advice I can give you – if you are determined to take a weight loss supplement – is to tell your physician what you are doing. Let her help you determine if you're making the right decision for your health.

Who regulates diet pills and herbal supplements?

Here in the United States in 1994 the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act was passed – in which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than for foods goods or drug products.

Under these provisions – the supplier of the dietary supplements are responsible to ensuring that they are safe to the public. After the dietary supplement is sold the FDA has the continuing responsibility to enforce standards and ensure the public's safety.

It is extremely important to report adverse drug or dietary supplement reactions to the FDA. They monitor this information, conduct studies, and issue guidelines that protect us all.

To report information to the FDA:

What is proven to work for weight loss?

Okay. There's a bottom-line in this discussion – although it may not be what you want to hear...

If you want to control your weight or achieve weight loss – you are going to have to eat healthy foods in moderate proportions and exercise regularly. There just isn't another way. Even other non surgical liposuction options aren't as reliable as diet and exercise.

The conclusion in all of this is that there are no magic bullets.

NOW – I preface that by saying – if you want to supplement your diet with vitamins and herbs that provide nutrition, that is a more reasonable and appropriate course of action. If you are trying to lose weight without any effort I suggest you save your money.

Non Surgical Liposuction - Discussion#2 References:

• Abebe, Worku. "An overview of herbal supplement utilization with particular emphasis on possible interactions with dental drugs and oral manifestations." Journal of Dental Hygiene 77.1 (2003): 37+. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web 25 Mar. 2010.

• Hall, Harriet. "Don't let them Hoodia-Wink you; bunkum reigns in weight loss pills and bad back devices." Skeptic [Altadena, CA] 13.1(2006): 18. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web. 23 Mar 2010.

• Preuss, Harry, and Bill Gottlieb. "The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy." Original Internist 14.1 (2007): 7. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web 23 Mar. 2010.

• Tyler, Varro E. "Question: since prescription diet pills are not on the market anymore, I'd like to try some of the herbal weight loss products. Do they work?" Prevention Jan. 1998: 81+. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web 25 Mar. 2010.

• Pierro, Francesco Di, et al. "GreenSelect[R] Phytosome as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet for treatment of obesity: a clinical trial." Alternative Medicine Review 14.2 (2009): 154+. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web 23 Mar. 2010.

• Graves, Ginny. "Weight-loss wonderland." Women's Sports and Fitness 2.4 (1999): 60. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web 20 July 2009.

• "Why fortify with chromium picolinate?" Prepared Foods 174.10 (2005): 78. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web 25 Mar. 2010.