Diet pills can work in two ways:  the first is by releasing chemicals into the brain and the second is by absorbing the fat your body takes in.  While diet pills may seem like an easy alternative to weight loss, they may have an undesirable effect on your body.

EFFECTS ON THE BODY

1. BRAIN - Diet pills can lead to insomnia, anxiety and depression.
2. HEART - Diet pills may cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure.
3. LUNGS - If an overdose of diet pills is taken, it may cause difficulty breathing.
4. LIVER - Some diet pill components can cause negative long term effects on the liver.
5. STOMACH - A common side effect of diet pills is stomach cramping and pain.
6. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - Diet pills such as Xenical can cause users to lose digestive control the first few times it is used.

ADDITIONAL RISKS
In addition to physical effects, diet pills can have a psychological impact.

• ADDICTION - Almost all prescription diet pills are considered controlled substances.
• TOLERANCE - After taking a pill for six months, sometimes the weight loss effects begin to taper off.

EXPERT Q & A
Kimberli Pike Ball State nutrition instructor answers questions about diet pills.

Pike's areas of expertise inlcude sprts nutrition, food and nutrition, and clinical nutrition.  She was the 2006-2007 Department of Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

Q:  What short and long term effects do diet pills have on the body?

A:  Most over the counter diet pills are stimulants.  This means they contain one or more ingredients that raise the heart rate, increase breathing rates, and can cause anxiety, shakiness, and insomnia.  The short term effect if that most people will feel jittery and nervous.  The long-term effect is that these pills can be damaging to the heart.

Q:  Are there any positive side effects of the diet pills, besides short term weight loss? 

A:  Most diet pills still require a person to increase activity and reduce calories.  Weight loss usually does not happen until these two things happen.  The only positive effect a person might see with diet pills is that they might reduce the appetite (through the action of a stimulant).

Q:  What would you suggest as an alternative way to lose weight other than diet pills?

A:  Exercise and proper nutrition are the ONLY proven way to lose weight and keep it off.  It isn't glamorous and it isn't always easy, but improving overall fitness and eating the right foods (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and lowfat dairy products) seems to work every time!

Q:  Are there any places to eat on or around Ball State's campus that provide healthy food for those looking to lose weight?

A:  Nearly every restaurant has something decent to eat.  When in doubt, choosing foods that aren't fried, have no sauces [expect tomato sauce] and entrees with the most vegetables or whole grains as sides is a great start.

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