Obesity Discussion Forums

[dreamblooms]

[Just answered someone's question on a string where it will be lost, so am re-posting here. We all wish there were some magic pill...but unfortunately, there isn't.]
~~~~~~~~~~
Q: But WHY can't I use diet pills?
A: The only kind of diet pill that "works" (though temporarily) contains amphetamines or amphetamine derivatives, which can cause arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), raised blood pressure, strokes, and heart failure. While risking these dire outcomes, patients also suffer from severe jitteryness and inability to sleep.

[Obesity Discussion]

I agree 100%. It pains me to see people blowing their money on diet pills and patches....and they're usually doing it because they're looking to cut corners.....taken in conjunction with healthy eating and exercise, some supplements can enhance your weight loss a bit, but the problem is 98% of the people who take these pills aren't exercising and eating healthy, so why bother? Let them learn the hard way I say. It's their money they're wasting. And I'm amazed at what people are willing to throw into their bodies without knowing the long term side effects, because 99% of these diet pills are not FDA approved and have not had long term studies done on them.

[CNProv]

I think the best point made so far is that there have been no studies of long term effects after taking these products. There are other points to be made though. One of which is that there haven’t been adequate studies on the addictiveness of the active ingredients in these ‘magic bullet’ products. Look at amphetamines for example, which is not only addictive but has been known to cause potential heart problems in those who take it. The last thing you want is for your body to build a mock dependency on something probably cooked up in some college kid’s dorm. If you’re the person selling these products though, being addictive is a VERY good thing for obvious reasons. It’s important to remember that most of these people are businessmen first and foremost, and we all know the number one rule of business.

Usually when a new product is introduced, I think people are more curious as to how much weight the makers claim they'll lose or how soon it works, and never worry about say, the LD-50 level of these products. And though I'd never side with the makers of these products, when it comes to getting FDA approval, sometimes the FDA does more harm than good in terms of exactly what products to regulate and how to regulate them. I know that one from personal experience.

[dickytoughy]

Hmm.Sound goods to be true...But the use of diet pills still large for people to reduce their weight .Government should play the vital role.

[CNProv]

I guess I should have elaborated...

While I agree with you that the government should play a huge role in the products regulated, the problem I have is the WAY they do so. I'll give you my example. We actually have a product that is a cure for obesity rather than a weight loss product (meaning it doesn't just work on your metabolism, is used as a fat burner or is a glorified laxative). The problem is it's part homeopathic and the gentlemen I spoke with at the FDA say that since Homeopathic preparations are non-toxic and therefore cannot establish an LD-50, we couldn't get their support or approval. The only thing that can even get on the 'ballot' is Western medicine it seems.

Plus for a product to be FDA approved and to start the testing product it has to be patented. When a new medicine comes that is made of a natural substance, they cannot always be sure of the active ingredient that actually helps with the ailment. So once they find it, they usually synthesize it and give it another name. An example of this is cocaine, novacaine, and lidocaine when people chewed cocoa leaves for the ephedra in them. Then instead of chewing them or making them in powder form....they found out how to put it in chemical form and got FDA approved (obviously excluding cocaine). Point is, since you can't patent something that is naturally made...it can't get FDA approved.

And since the product doesn't use just elements of certain plants and supplements but the entire thing, we're stuck. Two of the ingredients are Fucus and bitter orange..both of which aren't widely known it seems.. And even though you don't HAVE to be FDA approved, it does give you a bit more credibility I'm sure you'll agree. I have other reasons and complaints with the process...but I think this example sort of elaborates. I just think that the FDA should be a bit more open minded at times and not just act as businessmen.

Anyways, sorry for rambling

[healthy_drinkr]

CNProv,

I think I've heard of LD-50 before...can you elaborate on that?

[CNProv]

The LD50 is a standard measure for expressing and comparing the toxicity of chemicals. LC stands for "Lethal Concentration". Individually speaking, LC values usually refer to the concentration of a chemical in air but in environmental studies it can also mean the concentration of a chemical in water. In general, the smaller the LD50 value, the more toxic the chemical is. The opposite is also true: the larger the LD50 value, the lower the toxicity.

Toxicologists can use many kinds of animals but most often testing is done with rats and mice. LD50 is the amount of a material,given at one time, which causes the death of 50% of a group of test animals. It is I agree, a good way of measuring the toxicity of a material.

And since the FDA approves also uses the LD-50 to regulate drugs (in this case referred to me as something that can kill you) the closest thing I can label this product as is a ‘supplement’ which of course…sounds pretty worthless, since it’s actually a cure for obesity. So while I can’t say “This product is approved or regulated by the FDA” I can say “This product doesn’t kill rats” which I’ll admit…isn’t the sexiest marketing slogan. Maybe I should add a drop of rat poison or something…..

To be called a drug would excite more interest…but I deal the hand I’m dealt.

So if there is any obese person (preferably a trusted member here) that wants to try a absolutely free “dietary supplement”


feel free to contact me

Miles Simon Weight loss blog

[healthy_drinkr]

Yes, that's it! That's what I came across a few years ago.

By definition then, all prescription drugs (approved by the FDA) will KILL...it's just a matter of dosage.

So that's the reason why we've got all these drug recalls and multi-billion dollar lawsuits against corporate greed.

A tiny, tiny bit of something is most likely nothing...but over a period of time, accumulating in your gut and fat deposits?

I think this is one of the reasons why our health care costs are skyrocketing.

We spend too much money on drugs that are slowly killing us, and not quite enough on quality foods that will PREVENT us from getting sick in the first place.

So far, I haven't heard of anyone who died from an overdose of vitamin pills, specifically.

[CNProv]

I totally agree with you. I truly believe in my own humble opinion, that FDA, FCC, and USDA are all should I say…”flawed”. Again, I say humble because I’m not a doctor or anything. These are supposed to be agencies that are supposed to protect our food and drugs consumptions. I also believe that the FDA is there mainly to cater for the drug makers first rather than the consumer. It's well known that there are drugs sold in other countries that successfully treat and cure illnesses that the FDA seems to “still be working on”. In the US it’s if t they want people to keep going to the doctor for as long as possible so they can keep making money. The proof is that it's all about profit, many of the drugs that require prescription in the US are available OTC in most countries around the world at a cheaper price.
Whenever you turn on the television, you see commercials for either see old guys in convertibles, a couple on a sailboat, a guy throwing a football through a tire swing or that one with that abysmal whistling with the guy with the perverted smile on his face pitching more drugs. There are soooo many ads for drugs in America, more so than anywhere else (I’ve lived abroad) I've also never seen so many items that have to be prescribed that are sold over the counter in other countries. This way you have to pay the doctor for the prescription then they can also charge extra on the drugs.


Did you ever wonder how other nations combat the same problems we have here, like what do they do to treat the sniffles in China, how they beat the flu in Samoa etc. Obviously they have the same problems, but perhaps they don’t all take drugs for them. Did you ever ask yourself if all these FDA approved drugs for stomach aches are any better than the teaspoon of castor oil your mom used to give you.

If the FDA quit lying for big time pharmaceutical companies, they would probably lose their corporate funding. Plus, if something is made naturally…they can’t make any money off it.

Far as food though, this is what is probably causing a lot of problems. The ever changing, ever catering food pyramid.


Picture of Food Nutrition Pyramid - USDA

The U.S. food industry, FDA and USDA are highly corrupt to protect profits, not people

[jus4boyz]

I was trying to take the easy way to losing weight and that consisted of taking pills. A coworker of mine stated that she had great results with SlimQuick w/Hoodia. So I tried it and I had crazy side effects. Stomach cramps, jitters, dry mouth you name it. Like an idot I stayed on them thinking the symptoms would pass but they didn't. I finally got off them after almost 3 months and felt better. That is when I decided I need to change my eating habits and exercise regimen. Believe it or not, I see better results now then I did with the pills. No more restlessness. So stay away from the pills I don't think any of them are safe. Just my opinion of course.

[bigdaddy38]

Originally Posted by healthy_drinkr

Yes, that's it! That's what I came across a few years ago.

By definition then, all prescription drugs (approved by the FDA) will KILL...it's just a matter of dosage.

So that's the reason why we've got all these drug recalls and multi-billion dollar lawsuits against corporate greed.

A tiny, tiny bit of something is most likely nothing...but over a period of time, accumulating in your gut and fat deposits?

I think this is one of the reasons why our health care costs are skyrocketing.

We spend too much money on drugs that are slowly killing us, and not quite enough on quality foods that will PREVENT us from getting sick in the first place.

So far, I haven't heard of anyone who died from an overdose of vitamin pills, specifically.

It's not the prescription drugs that kill or even non prescription for that matter, it's the dumb asses who take to much, a great example of that is the baseball player that died from ephedra causing the big uproar about it, he was overweight,hungover,dehydrated and he took way more than recommended. More people died from aspirine than ephedra every year but because of the American politial system and the miracles that lobbyist can work when it comes to protecting there interests, it's a broken system. What really pisses me off is there is no regulation for supplements, I can crush up rocks in my garage and legally cell it as vitamin c if I want to, tell that isn't just stupid.

[JulianaRose]

Diet Pills are a waste of time and MONEY. Excersize is really the healithest thing you will ever do. And, you will be surprised how much it can help you.

[dietbeginner]

I don't know diet pills is so dangerous until I read this.

Originally Posted by dreamblooms

[Just answered someone's question on a string where it will be lost, so am re-posting here. We all wish there were some magic pill...but unfortunately, there isn't.]
~~~~~~~~~~
Q: But WHY can't I use diet pills?
A: The only kind of diet pill that "works" (though temporarily) contains amphetamines or amphetamine derivatives, which can cause arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), raised blood pressure, strokes, and heart failure. While risking these dire outcomes, patients also suffer from severe jitteryness and inability to sleep.

[catlady1]

I just wanted to add my agreement. Diet pills are awful! They are a huge waste of time and they only make things worse. I attribute a lot of my weight to diet pills. When I started taking them I was "only" 200 pounds. I've gained 150 more pounds since I first tried diet pills. They are no long term solution. You always end up gaining all the weight back with INTEREST!

[FoxyDawn555]

Personally., i don't find taking pills useful to reduce weight, In starting its result r best but its long term results r harmful to body.
Only doing exercise and nutritious food can help to reduce weight.

[ajaykumar]

i am doing exercise its helping me

[ajaykumar]

exercise keep will help to avoid that problem i think

[serge]

Absolutely agree that diet pills is waste of time, money and nerves

[jtafaro]

I have lost 153 pounds since WLS and didn't take any type of appetite supressant. I exercised moderately and cut down my caloric intake. Most diet pills on the market are in the snake oil catagory. The ephedra based pills are very addictive and have lots of bad side effects and are now controllled dangerous substances and are controlled by the government.

But there are a couple of things you have to think about.
1. Diets are temporary. Life style changes are supposed to be permanent.
2. Diet pills are also supposed to be temporary. What do you do when you are no longer taking them and your appitite returns?
3. The marketed appitite supressants are marketed to MAKE MONEY. They just don't work and using them is wishful thinking and a waste of money.

In the thirties the movie industry wanted thin stars. Under the studio system stars in a studio's stable were encouraged to smoke and many were given by studio doctors amphetamines. Judy Garland is a tragic example of this. When we learned how bad these pills were they turned to other tricks.

Stars were suspended if they gained weight. So they resorted to self medication and there is a long list of deaths resulting from this quest for thinness. Anna Nichole Smith was a Playmate of the year then gained a lot of weight. She found her own personal doctor and travelled with an RN. She died in the Bahamas of a drug overdose. This is what diet pills are good for in extreme situations. Karen Carpenter died of an eating disorder and she was never fat.

Obesity is a deadly condition and undesirable in our society today so many people resort to using diet pills. They just don't work in the long run.

Exercise doesn't have to be excessive like running or spending hours in the gym. I simply walk and it keeps me straight.

If you look at a Sears and Roebuck catalogue from the 1890's you will see all kind of patent medicines for all kind of illnesses. None of which work. A one time chocholate was marketed with small tapeworm heads in them. They worked but in the long run caused more problems that they cured.
You can see new curealls today on TV on cable channels but they don't work either.

THERE IS NO QUICK FIX.

Joe T

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by jtafaro

I have lost 153 pounds since WLS and didn't take any type of appetite supressant. I exercised moderately and cut down my caloric intake. Most diet pills on the market are in the snake oil catagory. The ephedra based pills are very addictive and have lots of bad side effects and are now controllled dangerous substances and are controlled by the government.

But there are a couple of things you have to think about.
1. Diets are temporary. Life style changes are supposed to be permanent.
2. Diet pills are also supposed to be temporary. What do you do when you are no longer taking them and your appitite returns?
3. The marketed appitite supressants are marketed to MAKE MONEY. They just don't work and using them is wishful thinking and a waste of money.

In the thirties the movie industry wanted thin stars. Under the studio system stars in a studio's stable were encouraged to smoke and many were given by studio doctors amphetamines. Judy Garland is a tragic example of this. When we learned how bad these pills were they turned to other tricks.

Stars were suspended if they gained weight. So they resorted to self medication and there is a long list of deaths resulting from this quest for thinness. Anna Nichole Smith was a Playmate of the year then gained a lot of weight. She found her own personal doctor and travelled with an RN. She died in the Bahamas of a drug overdose. This is what diet pills are good for in extreme situations. Karen Carpenter died of an eating disorder and she was never fat.

Obesity is a deadly condition and undesirable in our society today so many people resort to using diet pills. They just don't work in the long run.

Exercise doesn't have to be excessive like running or spending hours in the gym. I simply walk and it keeps me straight.

If you look at a Sears and Roebuck catalogue from the 1890's you will see all kind of patent medicines for all kind of illnesses. None of which work. A one time chocholate was marketed with small tapeworm heads in them. They worked but in the long run caused more problems that they cured.
You can see new curealls today on TV on cable channels but they don't work either.

THERE IS NO QUICK FIX.

Joe T

Well said Joe about the diet pills....thought I don't know if I'd relate Anna Nicole's problems to diet pills. She had a whole slew of prescription drugs in her system plus a sleeping pill...that's what did her in. Not sure if it's fair to say there's a direct correlation.

Everyone has different needs for exercise. Though you are content with just walking, walking really doesn't burn a lot of calories, nor is it nearly as good for your heart when compared to more vigorous exercise. Some people need that tougher exercise to achieve their weight loss goals.