$Unique_ID{BRK01159}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Are Diet Pills All That Bad?}
$Subject{diet pills hazards}
$Volume{Q-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Diet Pills All That Bad?


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QUESTION:  I have been dieting for the better part of my adult life, and know
that I can't make any progress without a little help from my doctor.  However
he is a most negative about such pills and keeps trying to counsel me to do it
by diet and exercise alone.  What is the scoop, are diet pills all that bad?

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ANSWER:  Diet pills, both the older amphetamine types and the newer ones
should be taken only with extreme caution and under the care of a qualified
physician.  If you have a family or personal history of psychosis or substance
abuse, you probably should not take diet pills at all.  If emotional problems
develop while you are taking diet pills, talk with your doctor without delay.
Discontinuing the pills and psychiatric help will avoid further problems.
     The more common side effects of diet pills are dry mouth, dilated pupils,
dizziness, heart palpitations, irritability and insomnia.  Some people who use
diet pills become depressed, paranoid or have unusual blood cells effects.
     Knowing all this, why would anyone take diet pills?  Some people are
willing to take the risks they pose, because the lure of a "quick fix" for
their weight problems is too much to resist.  There are many people who feel
as you do, that without some "help" they are faced with the possibility of
failure when trying to lose weight.  At the risk of sounding quite boring, I
must remind you that the only way to solve a weight problem is to cut down
your calorie intake and increase your exercise.  Certainly, using diet pills
as a temporary aid to get started can be an essential help, particularly when
you are under medical supervision, but the real success will come when you
make these changes a regular part of your life.  Then you'll see a weight loss
that is healthy and permanent.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
