What would you give up to be skinny? How about your health? Well, some of the methods of weight loss can cost you exactly that. Before you decide that the way to lose weight is to follow one of the below regimens, take a second look. Do your research and be sure that you understand the risks.

We are all looking for that magic pill. You know - the one that we may take and lose weight without really trying!What would you give up to be skinny? How about your health? Well, some of the methods of weight loss might cost you exactly that. Before you decide that the way to lose weight is to follow one of the below regimens, take a second look. Do your research and be sure that you understand the risks.

Are you considering one of these dangerous weight loss methods?*Prescription diet pillsAmphetamines are available only by prescription, and most doctors are leery of handing them out these days. While they do suppress appetite, you learn nothing about healthy eating, you dont change your eating habits, and you are likely to grab the weight back the moment you stop getting them. In addition, they could be habit forming. The side effects incorporate high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, sleeplessness, hallucinations and delusions.

• EphedraThis all natural Asian herb is found in many herbal remedies and weight loss powders. It has a powerful appetite suppressant effect, but has been implicated in over 70 deaths.
• Phentermine Fenfluramine-phentermine (fen-phen)Fen-phen was a popular weight loss supplement in the 90s until it was implicated in deaths due to heart-valve damage. Phentermine alone is still sold in many weight loss aids. The side effects include headaches, dizziness, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure and insomnia.
• LaxativesOne of the popular home remedies, used for purging. Regular make use of and abuse of laxatives might result in low potassium, arrhythmia, and pancreatic damage.
• Artificial SweetenersAspartame, the most generally used artificial sweetener, has been implicated in multiple lawsuits alleging damages that add blindness, seizures and brain damage.
• SmokingAfraid youll gain weight if you quit smoking? The National Institute of Diabetes says that youd have to gain 100-150 pounds to match the health risks you invoke by smoking. Instead, set up healthy strategies to help you deal with food cravings and put down the cigarettes.
• PurgingLike laxatives, purging by forcing oneself to vomit or getting emetics may have very damaging effects on health. Depletion of nutrients like potassium and vitamins, damage to the esophagus from stomach acids, and esophageal rupture are all possible side effects.
• DiureticsTaking diuretics encourages your body to rid itself of fluids - including vital electrolytes. The depletion might lead to dehydration, and cause your body to start retaining water, starting a vicious cycle. Repeated or prolonged use of diuretics might lead to kidney damage and serious electrolyte imbalances, which may result in kidney or heart failure.
• Herbal RemediesWe have a tendency to equate herbal with harmless, but say nutritionists, this isnt always the case. Remember that many medications are derived from herbs, and because of the lack of regulation, dosages of active ingredients can vary widely from one manufacturer to another. Below is a list of some of the most common ingredients found in herbal weight loss powders, along with cautions about their effects in certain conditions.

Ephedra (ma huang, ephedrine, ephedra extract, epitonin, ephdra sinica and sida cordifolia) should not be taken by all the people with heart, thyroid or kidney disease, or with hypertensionCascara and Senna should not be taken by many people taking diuretics (both are almost always found in herbal weight loss teas)Selenium and Capsaicin should not be taken by many people with bowel or digestive disordersKava should be avoided by all the people with mood disorders who are taking mood altering medication, and all the people with Parkinsons disease.

Gingko biloba, licorice root, and dong quay should not be taken by all the people who are getting blood thinners or anti-coagulants.

While weight loss is a worthwhile desire, guarding your health is an even more important one. Be sure that whatever weight loss method you choose it will not lead to other serious medical conditions.