In today’s culture, it is very common to get the message that “thin is in.” Celebrities and models seem to be stick thin, so much so that it looks like they need to eat. However, this doesn’t always translate into the message that celebrities need to eat to others. Instead, it seems to tell other people that they are too fat.

People who are uncomfortable with their weight tend to seek out any treatment that will work. When diets and exercise don’t work, they turn to other treatments. Some are diet pills that are actually made for dieting. While there are risks associated with those, another practice is becoming quite common. That practice is using pills that are not made for dieting, but treating other conditions and using them as diet pills. This is known as using “off label medications.”

Dr. Robert Skversky practices this method of weight loss for patients. He supports it and says that all of his patients have great results. One of his patients is on a mixture of three medications – an anti-depressant (Lexipro), an appetite suppressant, and an anti-seizure medication (Topomax).

The drugs have helped her to lose weight and she says that she only feels light headed on some days. However, Dr. George Blackburn says that the practice is untested (thought it is legal as the prescriptions are given by doctors) and that those who seek this type of treatment are desperate and vulnerable.

Even worse is when the medication is not meant for humans. The version of Clenbuterol that is used for horses has been used as diet medications resulting in serious side effects.

Dangers: Diet Pills May Not Be Diet Pills

As mentioned, some of the pills used may be anti-depressants, appetite suppressants, and anti-seizure medications. Of course appetite suppressants make sense. Using anti-depressants may block some of the urges by altering chemicals in the brain. However, this is not truly why the medications were made.

Sometimes people obtain medications that are meant to treat ADD and ADHD by faking the symptoms of ADD and ADHD to get them. Of course, these are not approved in any way for weight loss, but some people find that they help – at least for a small amount of time.

Dangers: Diet Pills Cause Health Complications

Lightheadedness is a small symptom of using off label medications. However, more complicated symptoms can arise. People who use Adderall, Ritalin, or other ADD or ADHD medications have been known to experience psychotic episodes and become chemically independent.

Of course, other medications are also used and they all pose problems. Included in these are racing heart beats, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, nervousness, jitters, insomnia, depression, and impotence. These are not the only possible side effects, either. Then, there is also the risk of addiction to any of the drugs.

Dangers: Diet Pills Are Not the Answer

While there are a few people who are genuinely obese due to genetics or health problems that require medications or surgery, most people are simply overweight due to not eating and exercising properly. It is sad because most people could easily control weight by doing the simple task of watching what they eat and exercising on a regular basis. Diet pills are not the answer for maintaining a healthy weight.

Susan Pitts

Weight Loss Consultant

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