Diet pills come with harmful side-effects

The proven ways to lose weight are by eating healthy food, cutting calories, and being physically active. But making these lifestyle changes isn't easy, so many opt for popping diet pills that supposedly aid weight loss. It's important to know the safety and effectiveness of the ingredients that are used in weight-loss supplements.

Diet pills block the absorption of fat or carbohydrates, curb your appetite, or speed up your metabolism. Many of these pills are expensive, some can interfere with other medications that you are currently taking, and a few might be harmful.

So even before thinking of taking a diet pill, it's important to consult a physician, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions.

Almost all weight-loss supplements have ingredients that have not been tested in combination with one another, and their combined effects are unknown. For example, caffeine's effect may be stronger if you take it with other stimulants (bitter orange), and chitosan (polysaccharide - used to limit the fat absorption) might increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin (an anticoagulant) to dangerous levels.

The best way to lose weight is to follow a healthy eating plan and exercise regularly. As a bonus, lifestyle changes that help you lose weight might also improve your mood and energy level and lower the risk of lifestyle disorders.

(The author is a consultant Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital)