Side Effects Of Weight Loss Supplements You Never Expected

People go through a lot to lose weight. They may amp up their exercise routine, eat more fruits and vegetables, and even try fad diets in their attempt to shed a few pounds. When those methods don't work, some people turn to weight loss supplements. Also referred to as diet pills, these supplements promise to do things like reduce your appetite and speed up your metabolism. But how safe are they really? Here are some potential side effects of weight loss supplements you may not have heard of before.

The first thing to remember is that over-the-counter supplements are not regulated by the FDA (via Mayo Clinic). The companies that make these supplements don't usually conduct clinical trials, which means there isn't much scientific evidence to prove that they help you lose weight. Many of these products have multiple ingredients, which can make it even harder to pinpoint what helped someone lose weight if they actually did find success when using them.

Weight loss supplements have been banned by the FDA in the past for being connected to adverse reactions by users. Some of those side effects have included high blood pressure, mood changes, irregular heart rate, seizures, stroke, and heart attacks. Other supplements have contained harmful ingredients like prescription drugs and have been discontinued.

Some prescription drugs have been approved by the FDA as a way to lose weight. These are usually only prescribed by doctors to people who are seriously overweight or who have a health condition that is preventing them from losing weight through diet and exercise alone (via WebMD). Although there are several of these drugs approved for long term use, they still come with many potential side effects. These include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia.

The safest way to lose weight is with diet and exercise. You should not attempt to lose more than one to two pounds each week, as this can be too extreme for your body (via Medical News Today). Keep healthy snacks at home and work for easy access. Cut out processed foods and aim to eat foods that contain plenty of nutrients. Fad diets rarely work in the long term, so find a sustainable eating plan full of whole foods that you can stick to. Regular cardiovascular and resistance training can help you burn more calories and keep your body healthy. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling to lose weight. They can help you develop a realistic and successful weight loss plan.