How Easy Weight Loss Program Can Be Dangerous

Some people can do about anything to lose weight. Eating disorders have become a very common problem not only among adults but amongst children as well. The phrase "dying to be thin" has become more of a literal definition of what people are suffering from eating disorders. Today's society puts a lot of pressure on people, especially young women, to be thin and beautiful. Often obese people have lack of confidence to gain it people can go to any extent. Often the madness of becoming thin plays havoc and has dangerous effects.

Many people indulge into using dangerous methods to lose weight when they don't get the results they want from regular diet and exercise. Most people set un realistic goals due to which the do not achieve what they dream of.

Ipecac syrup is one means some individuals use to lose weight. Ipecac syrup is used to provoke vomiting and is only supposed to be used in the case of accidental poisoning. If used on a regular basis, ipecac syrup can cause irregular heart rates, difficulty in breathing and cardiac arrest. It has been the cause of death of many people suffering from obesity and eating disorder.

Laxatives are also very commonly used among those suffering from eating disorders. Laxatives do not work in the way of weight loss, as the calories have already been absorbed into the body by the time the laxative works.

Laxatives however, make those suffering from eating disorders feel as though they have lost weight because of the fluid loss. This sensation of productivity is only temporary, as water is retained in the body every 48 to 72 hours. This may cause bloating and the individual may feel the need to use the laxatives again. Laxative abuse can lead to bloody diarrhea, dehydration, nausea and vomiting. Extended use of laxatives can cause an incapability to move the bowels without them. They can cause permanent bowel damage and even death.

The use of diuretics, otherwise known as "water pills", has also become very common as the use of laxatives to promote fast weight loss. Much like laxatives, diuretics do not provide the results probable of them. Diuretics can cause dehydration and the body's response to it is to retain water later on. This results in further abuse of diuretics. Prolonged use of diuretics can cause kidney damage due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

The sale of diet pills continue to rise. Most manufacturers of these products assert that they are safe and effective methods of weight loss. Studies have shown that this is not true. The use of diet pills can have very harmful affects on the body over time. Many diet pills include the ingredient Fenfluramine (Fen-Phen). Fen-Phen is a stimulant and can become very addictive. Over time, the use of Fen-Phen increases the risk of Primary Hypertension.

Hypertension is a rare but fatal lung disease. The average life span of an individual suffering from Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is approximately three years. Other serious side effects of the ingredient Fen-Phen are high blood pressure, dry mouth, chest pains and palpitations.

These methods are dangerous and should not be unnoticed. Using these methods of weight loss is very serious.