Let's talk about diet pills – those expensive little over-the-counter “wonders” that promise to instantly chisel away unnecessary flab and reveal the masterpiece we all have within. If something sounds too good to be true though, it almost certainly is.
The diet pill industry thrives on exploiting our desire for immediate results. Don’t fall for the traps set by flashy marketing campaigns, as the true price of these quick fixes will ultimately be your health.
Advertisements bombard us with images of slender models and captivating testimonials, promising life-changing transformations in record time. The appeal of shedding several pounds a week without breaking a sweat can be feverishly tempting. However, it's crucial to remember that these advertisements are rarely transparent about the potential harm lurking behind the glossy façade.
Before experimenting with appetite suppressants, it’s important you’re warned about the ominous shadow that looms over these substances. Let’s pause and delve deeper into the consequences these quick fixes can (and often do) bring.
Dangerous Mind Games
Appetite suppressant diet pills work by altering the body's hunger signals, convincing individuals they are full and reducing their food intake. This sounds great and everything, right? Not so fast, it's crucial to recognize that tampering with the body's natural hunger cues can lead to severe consequences.
By suppressing the body's innate hunger signals, these pills interrupt the intricate balance of hormones that regulate appetite. The hypothalamus, a small but vital region in the brain, plays a central role in appetite regulation. It releases various neurotransmitters and hormones that signal hunger or satiety based on the body's energy needs. Appetite suppressants disrupt this delicate equilibrium, leading to confusion in the brain's signaling system.
Alarming Side Effects of Appetite Suppressants
Numerous studies have linked appetite suppressants to a range of adverse side effects. From mild discomforts such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches to more severe complications like heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and even strokes.
In a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, 23% of participants reported experiencing heart palpitations, a strong indicator of underlying cardiovascular stress. An alarming 15% of participants developed high blood pressure after using appetite suppressant diet pills for just three months. These findings underscore the dangers of these pills, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension.
The Hidden Impact on Metabolism
Contrary to the enticingly misleading benefits, some appetite suppressants can significantly harm your metabolism. Slowing down your metabolic rate may lead to long-term weight gain once you stop taking the pills, creating a dangerous cycle of dependency.
Metabolism is the body's engine and dictates, among other things, the rate at which we burn calories. When appetite suppressants interfere with this natural process, the body enters a state of energy conservation, storing more calories as fat to compensate for the perceived scarcity. As a result, once you cease taking the pills, your body struggles to readjust, leading to potential weight gain, even with reduced caloric intake.
According to research published in the Journal of Metabolism, participants who used appetite suppressants for more than six months showed a 12% decrease in their resting metabolic rate after stopping the pills. This phenomenon, known as metabolic adaptation, can be particularly distressing for individuals seeking lasting weight loss solutions.
Psychological Toll
Weight loss is not just about physical health, it also profoundly affects mental well-being. Appetite suppressants may cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Our relationship with food goes beyond mere sustenance, it is intertwined with emotions, culture, and social experiences. This emotional disconnection can leave individuals feeling isolated and unfulfilled despite their weight loss achievements.
The Absence of Effective Regulation
The lack of stringent regulations in the diet pill industry allows potentially harmful products to flood the market. Manufacturers prioritize profits over consumer safety, leaving you vulnerable to deceitful products.
Unlike prescription medications that are supposed to undergo rigorous testing and evaluation before hitting the market, many over-the-counter appetite suppressants are inadequately regulated. The absence of proper scrutiny means these pills are often laced with untested and potentially unsafe ingredients. While some manufacturers claim that their products contain "all-natural" or "herbal" ingredients, these oftentimes are nothing more than empty buzzwords to pacify any suspicions from potential consumers.
In a shocking investigative report by a consumer watchdog group, it was revealed that nearly 40% of tested diet pills contained undisclosed and potentially dangerous ingredients. The following are some of the more commonly found substances:
- Ephedrine: Ephedrine is a stimulant that was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in dietary supplements due to its association with serious side effects like heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and even stroke.
- Sibutramine: Sibutramine was once used in prescription weight loss medications, but was later withdrawn from the market due to an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
- Phentermine: While phentermine is an FDA-approved prescription medication for weight loss, it can have side effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and nervousness.
Are Appetite Suppressants different from Dietary Supplements?
While appetite suppressant diet pills promise fast results, their dangerous impact on your body should not be ignored. Dietary supplements, on the other hand, are products that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other substances that supplement one's regular diet. They are meant to complement or enhance the nutritional intake of an individual and are not primarily focused on suppressing appetite or promoting weight loss.
Dietary supplements come in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. They can be used to address specific nutrient deficiencies, support overall health and well-being, improve athletic performance, or aid in various bodily functions.
In summary, appetite suppressants or diet pills are specific products designed to artificially, and oftentimes dangerously, reduce hunger and control food intake for weight management purposes, while dietary supplements encompass a broader category of products aimed at supplementing one's diet with additional nutrients or beneficial bioactive compounds.
Pure TheraPro’s MicroActive® Oligonol® is derived from lychee fruit extract and green tea. Oligonol is the world’s first low-molecular-weight polyphenol and winner of the prestigious Nutracon “Top Evidence-Backed Product of the Year” Award.
Unlike other antioxidant or free-radical-fighting formulas and skin supplements, our patented complex uses clinically studied ingredients backed by 30 human clinical trials with multiple healthy-aging-support benefits.
Oligonol supports the three major causes of aging: poor blood circulation, cell oxidation and inflammation. Oligonol has been clinically shown to:
- Support healthy post-meal blood glucose and lipid levels
- Support healthy visceral tissue levels (especially around internal organs and the belly & waist)
- Lessen the appearance of skin wrinkles and brown spots
- Help support energy production and endurance
Additional human studies showed that Oligonol supports healthy circulation by supporting vascular elasticity thereby supporting cardiovascular health, acts as a potent free-radical fighter (6,900 ORAC), and supports a healthy biological response to systemic inflammation.
What makes the MicroActive® ingredients special?
They demonstrate superior uniform absorption, supported by many clinical studies. MicroActive ingredients are micronized and encapsulated by design using natural starches or polymers to fit the individual characteristic of each ingredient.
The micronization phase produces a period of rapid efficient-exposure, followed by the encapsulation phase that produces a lengthy extended-release.
Absorption is further enhanced with carriers that assist the active ingredient to move through the intestinal wall. MicroActive® Oligonol® (50% polyphenol) demonstrated sustained release in dissolution studies, with increased residence time and absorption.
Effective Uniform Absorption (an ingredient must be absorbed to be effective)
Comparing one person to another, there may be large differences in absorption. Minimizing individual differences improves the likelihood that an ingredient will be effective for each individual.
From person to person, there are often large differences in their ability to absorb active ingredients. Each person’s digestive system differs. MicroActive is designed to overcome these differences by optimizing the release system for the active ingredient – maximizing absorption.
What is the goal of MicroActive®?
- Delay absorption so that the active does not pass through the system before it can be absorbed.
- Increase exposure time of easily absorbed ingredients so that they are not metabolized too quickly.
- Create multiple release systems so that the active can be absorbed at multiple sites, such as the stomach and small intestines separately.
- Incorporate natural carriers that transport actives that require dietary fats to be absorbed, through the aqueous environment, helping it to be absorbed through the cell wall.
The first step then to creating uniform absorption is to guarantee absorption. The large difference between people who really absorb (super absorbers) and those with difficulty is decreased just by ensuring everyone will absorb the active ingredient. Another strategy protects the active ingredients through environments that can degrade them, ensuring the maximum dose is presented for absorption.
What is Visceral Tissue?
Visceral tissue, or abdominal fat, is a type of body tissue that exists in the abdomen and surrounds the internal organs. Everyone has some, especially those who are sedentary, chronically stressed, or maintain unhealthy diets.
A different type of fat — subcutaneous fat — which builds up under the skin, has less of a negative impact on health and is easier to lose than visceral fat.
In fact, excessive deposits of visceral fat are associated with many serious health problems. Though it is possible to lose, it requires a larger commitment than spot exercises, like sit ups or crunches; a combination of cardiovascular activity and a lean diet is typically required.
It Becomes Difficult to Lose Weight
If you concentrate only on weight loss rather than visceral fat, this fat may be an obstacle. Visceral tissue has an influence on your hunger mechanism and you are more likely to eat more than required, eventually that will result in weight gain. In simple words, stored fat affects metabolism and increases insulin resistance, more calories are converted to fat when your insulin level is high.
The Difference Between Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat
Did you know that not all belly fat is bad? Much of the fat in the stomach area lies directly under the skin. This is called subcutaneous fat and is not necessarily hazardous to your health. The fat that is harmful is the unseen fat around your organs, otherwise known are visceral abdominal fat. You may have visceral fat but not be obese.
MicroActive® Oligonol® supports optimal visceral tissue levels and helps you achieve your ideal body shape, all while supporting skin and cardiovascular health.
By incorporating these tips into your lifestyle, you can enhance your metabolic health, reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, and promote overall well-being.
Metabolic health is vital for overall wellness and plays a significant role in preventing various chronic conditions. By understanding the fundamental mechanisms of metabolism, being aware of the prevalent metabolic problems, and implementing lifestyle modifications, you can optimize your metabolic health and lead a healthier life. With a proactive approach to metabolic health, you can unlock vitality, prevent diseases, and embrace a future of well-being.
References
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (n.d.). Weight Loss and Diet Pills: Options and Benefits. [Online] Available at: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/weight-loss-and-diet-pills-options-and-benefits
National Institute of Health (NIH). (2021). Weight Management for Healthy Living. [Online] Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/weight-management
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Weight Loss: Choosing a Diet that's Right for You. [Online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/weight-loss/faq-20404781
WebMD. (2021). Diet Pills: What You Need to Know. [Online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/ss/slideshow-diet-pills
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Losing Weight. [Online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.html
Yan, Z., & Li, Y. (2018). Gender Differences in Diabetes and Risk Factors: A Review. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2018, 1-12. doi: 10.1155/2018/7895264
Kanaya, A. M., Grady, D., Barrett-Connor, E., & Exploratory Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN) Research Group. (2002). Explaining the sex difference in coronary heart disease mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162(15), 1737-1745. doi: 10.1001/archinte.162.15.1737
Eckel, R. H., Grundy, S. M., & Zimmet, P. Z. (2005). The metabolic syndrome. The Lancet, 365(9468), 1415-1428. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66378-7
Kanis, J. A., Johnell, O., Oden, A., Johansson, H., De Laet, C., & Eisman, J. A. (2004). Risk of hip fracture according to the World Health Organization criteria for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Bone, 34(2), 201-205. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2003.10.001
Kuk, J. L., Ardern, C. I., & Church, T. S. (2009). Measurement site and the association between visceral and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue with metabolic risk in women. Obesity, 17(8), 1444-1450. doi: 10.1038/oby.2009.28