One of the biggest New Year’s resolutions that people have
is to lose weight in the New Year. It’s so tempting to either drink something
or swallow a pill that will melt the fat away.
However, we need to be aware of several products that may pose some
health risks.
Below is a list of some of the most popular forms of losing
weight and why they might not be the best choice. Remember, exercise and eating
right is the healthiest way to lose weight- there are no quick fixes!
Weight Loss
Supplements
Most of these supplements boast about losing weight fast and
curbing your appetite. While it might be appealing to a consumer, many times
these advertising techniques are untrue. Many supplement companies are not held
to any standards so there is no way to know if what you are taking is safe or
effective. Some products even claim to be natural but that still does not mean
they are safe to take. If you are looking to lose weight, please talk with your
doctor or healthcare practitioner first.
Cleanse and Detox
Plans
These products state they help you lose weight quickly. But
in reality, the weight loss comes from water and stool weight. These cleanses
can also be dangerous to your health. They could cause dehydration and
electrolyte imbalance.
Acai
The acai berry is grown in the Amazon River basin of
Brazil. It is rich in antioxidants. It also contains iron, calcium, vitamin A and
fiber. Food and beverages are made from
the skin, which is only 5% of the berry.
This makes acai products expensive.
Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are less expensive
alternatives. The research evidence connecting
acai and weight loss is lacking.
See: www.webmd.com/diet/features/acai-weight-loss-wonder-fruit
Herbal Teas
Some teas promoted for dieting contain laxatives. Excessive use may cause nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fainting and dehydration. Causing diarrhea to reduce calorie absorption
is not very effective. Most of the calorie
absorption occurs in the small intestine, but laxatives tend to work on the colon. A temporary weight loss due to water loss
will be reversed once the person drinks something. Bulk-producing agents are supposed to give a
sense of fullness, but there is no evidence that they reduce appetite.
The Facts on Diet
Pills
The FDA now lists more than 70 weight loss products that may
be harmful and contain undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that
include fenproporex, fluoxetine, furosemide, cetilistat, sibutramine,
bumetanide, phenytoin and phenolphthalein. Some of these ingredients are not approved for marketing in the United States. Some are prescription drugs that exceed the maximum recommended dosages. Seizures, heart attacks and strokes are possible. Beware of claims and have realistic expectations.
Here are three fast, easy New Year's resolutions if you have
young children. 1) Get down on the floor at your children's eye level. Find
things that can hurt them: dropped pills, batteries, and toy parts; household
products in low cabinets ... and get those things up, out of the way. 2) Program
our number into your phones. 3) Post the poison center phone number by every
phone in your home. Need phone stickers or magnets? Call us at 1-800-222-1222
or go to www.poisoncontrol.org.
If you have any questions about your medications, herbals or
dietary supplements, please call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
Don't guess, be sure! A medical professional will answer your call right away
and give you the help you need.
