What Happens To My Body When…
I Try Slimming Pills

By Dietitian, Juliette Kellow BSc RD

With promises that they’ll burn fat, boost metabolism and beat cravings, it’s easy to see why many of us are tempted to try slimming pills. But in reality, they could actually leave you with a host of health problems.

In the UK, there are two main drugs that are prescribed by GP’s – Xenical (Orlistat), which helps to stop some of the fat in food from being absorbed, and Reductil (Sibutramine), which is an appetite suppressant. If you’re prescribed these products you’ll be closely supervised and have your health monitored at regular intervals.

Over-the-counter slimming pill, Alli is now available from pharmacies. This is based on Orlistat and before selling it pharmacists should check a person is a suitable candidate for taking it. These aside, there are literally hundreds of other products you can buy in chemists, health stores, supermarkets and on the Internet. Many of these products often provide vague information on the ingredients they contain and how they work – and this means many of us could end up taking a risk with our health.

Particularly worrying, are many of the slimming pills sold on the net. Some contain ingredients that are banned in certain countries or should only be prescribed and used with medical supervision. Many may also be unsuitable for people who suffer with other health problems such as diabetes, heart conditions, thyroid problems or high blood pressure.

Others can have unpleasant side effects that range from insomnia and dizziness to trembling and an irregular heartbeat or have been linked with psychiatric problems. And just because a product describes itself as being a herbal slimming pill, doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe to take. Herbal ingredients such as ephedra are banned in the states, whilst caffeine in large doses can have unpleasant side effects and be addictive.

WLR’s Advice:

We’ve said it tons of times before, but skip slimming pills altogether and stick to the tried and tested method of calorie counting.