Jagged Little Pills

By Lauren Reidy

Thursday, September 11, 2003

They seem too good to be true because they are. Over-the-counter diet pills like Mega-T promise to help consumers “lose up to 20 pounds.” Others, like Dexatrim Natural, say it will “help your body use fat and calories.” The question on everyones mind is ‘are over-the-counter diet pills safe? And can they really do what they claim?’ Lawrence Memorial Hospital dietician Nancy Donahey recommends consulting a medical professional before injesting any type of diet pill.

Many diet pills contain caffeine and ephedra. These ingredients work as appetite suppressants designed to accelerate your body’s metabolism.

Most appetite suppressants should only be used for a few weeks.

Exceeding the recommended daily dosage or using the products for longer than the recommended time can result in increased heart rate and blood pressure.

She says that water-loss or diuretic pills are only intended to relieve temporary bloating.

They do not reduce body fat.

Students hoping to lose weight and keep it off should develop exercise programs and healthy eating habits.

If you decide to use over-the-counter diet pills, remember that the key to all pill advertisements is to help you lose weight not lose it for you.

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