The dangers of dieting quick fixes

Diet pills, extreme detoxes and slimming supplements may be growing increasingly popular, but many companies fail to inform unknowledgeable dieters of the health dangers associated with these proclaimed 'quick' fixes.

Although I will refrain from pin pointing specific brands, a multitude of local and non local weight loss promotions and slimming methods have recently captured my attention in a some what alarming manner.

Despite the desperation to achieve the unrealistic definition of the 'perfect' beach body, resorting to unhealthy and unacceptable measures in order to lose excess weight can have damaging consequences in terms of health, well-being and sustainability.

Diet pills - slimming pills alone will not make you healthier or instantly lose excess weight. Any diet related pill should be prescribed via a GP (NOT by commission fueled 'health' companies or the internet) who will be in a professional position to monitor your diet and physical activity level in conjunction with any medication he/she has prescribed. More than often, a GP will suggest a healthier and more sustainable approach to weight loss than pills.

Skipping meals and meal replacements - malnutrition, cravings, tiredness and diminished energy levels are just a selection of the health effects associated with skipping meals. Dieters are also at an increased risk of weight gain as they return to consuming 'normal' meals after opting for meal replacements, and experiencing an overwhelming urge to snack on foods high in fat and sugar as a result of skipping meals.
Successful, sustainable weight loss requires a gradual caloric reduction and/or increase in physical exercise, not depriving the body and mind of the essential nutrients it relies on.

Supplements - although certain supplements such as omega-3 and vitamin D3 can be beneficial to health, slimming related supplements and products can prove detrimental. Hair loss, rashes, severe stomach cramps, tremors, malnutrition, fatigue and weight gain are just a snippet of the side effects associated with the slimming supplements and products 'health' companies continue to promote. I have personally witnessed men and women of all ages and backgrounds being admitted to hospital and left with long-term health problems as a result of these dangerous supplements - many currently being promoted in local buy and sell groups.

I understand that the need and desire to lose excess weight can be overwhelming, and I understand how appealing quick fixes may be, but please think sensibly before resorting to any of the methods listed above. You only have one body, and the health risks and dangers associated with unhealthy weight loss methods are not worth your health and in some cases, your life.

Be prepared to be bombarded with quick fixes as summer approaches, but approach these methods with severe caution and common sense - there is no quick fix for successful weight loss on a long-term basis.