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Diet Safety: New Resolutions come with Old Health Threats

By Megan Roth

New Year, New You, right? That’s the new year’s resolution for many (mine is to stop hemorrhaging money). In fact, approximately 40-45% of American adults make a new year’s resolution each year – a resolution that most often centers around weight loss and quitting smoking.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, considering over 66 percent of the American population over age 20 is overweight (and 32 percent qualify as obese).

In an attempt to lessen these statistics, a program was instituted – so-titled Healthy People 2010 – to help folks shed pounds and lessen their risk of developing certain diseases. This program provides tips and advice on proper nutrition, healthful eating and adequate exercise.

But we all know this can be tough to stick to – so many folks go directly to weight loss drugs for assistance.

In addition to the pills, cleanses and other products mentioned in my previous articles this month, there are numerous others on the market. Right now, there are currently three diet pills running at the top of their game: Apidexin, Fenterdren and Fenphedra.

These are the most common go-to pills; yet, despite their popularity, they aren’t without risk.

What kind of risks? For starters, Apidexin helps users lose weight almost twice as fast as fast as normal diet pills do. But the increased weight loss doesn’t occur without effects; the all-natural diet pill is given in a drastically increased dosage which, in turn, drastically increases the intensity and occurrence of its side effects.

For example, the drug makes users feel jittery and anxious (duh – two side effects of increased system activity in general). Similar to ephedra, it increases heart rate and blood pressure and causes sleeplessness amongst users; both separately and combined, these side effects can cause long-term damage for users.

And what about Fenterdren, the most potent and controversial weight loss compound? Users of the pill often experience restlessness, jitters, and a loss of appetite. On a review board for the drug, one user reported that by the time she was ready for her second dose, she realized she had not eaten all day long. I realize users are trying to lose weight, but really? Does this sound like a good idea?!

And finally, Fenphedra – the world’s first chemically altered diet pill. It’s one of the most popular fat burners on the market but, again, don’t be fooled: while the supplement will likely enhance the results of your weight loss plan, it doesn’t come without consequence. It’s chock-full of stimulant ingredients which, similar to the other aforementioned diet pills, cause restlessness, anxiety and an on-edge sense of self.

Users and researchers alike compare these pills to increased caffeine dosages (they speed your systems to the point of overdrive and, by doing so, rev your metabolism). This isn’t overly alarming when used for the few weeks recommended by most diet pills; however, many abuse the drugs which, when used for a prolonged period of time, increase one’s odds of circulatory problems, heart attack and stroke (not to mention the effects such drugs would have on an unborn fetus if taken by a pregnant woman).

So while the drugs may not pose any serious threats short-term, its their potential to do serious long-term damage we’re concerned about.

If you (or anyone you know) has been injured by the aforementioned pills or any other weight loss supplement, contact the Lombardi Law Firm.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Megan Roth

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on January 11, 2009 (boomark / email).