Lose 20 Pounds in Only 2 Weeks!

What if I told you that you could lose 20 pounds in only 2 weeks by taking this fantastic diet supplement just three times a day?  There are only a few side effects that aren't mentioned on the label such as, a racing heartbeat, nausea, abdominal bloating, headache, anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea, muscle cramping, kidney problems, tremors, psychosis, seizures, and possible stroke or heart attack (Dara, Hewett, & Lim, 2008).  Not that bad when you can lose 20 pounds in just two weeks!  Losing more than 1-2 pounds a week is unrealistic for any person trying to slim down and shape up (http://www.livestrong.com).  Aside from taking diet supplements to aid in weight loss, people also take natural herbal supplements such as "vitamins" that promise to help rid the body of toxins and water weight as well as fighting off cancer and other medical problems (Dara, Hewett, & Lim, 2009).  The problem with herbal supplements is that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not need to regulate their contents because they are listed as "natural" which by all definitions means safe and are considered to be food additives only (Cohen, 2009). 

A prevalent alarming rate of being overweight and obesity is increasing in the United States, specifically more rapidly among women, young adults, and those with some college education (Harring, Montgomery, & Hardin, 2010).  The reason for the increase in weigh in these individuals is due to the new freedom that college life gives them when they transition from home life to living independently for the first time and having to deal with meal planning and food choices. 

            What many of these consumers do not realize are the hidden dangers these dietary and herbal supplements pose to their health and the side effects they may face by not knowing what exactly are in these pills.  Hydroxycut and Herbalife are two of the most popular dietary supplements on the market right now due to their weight loss and performance promises, but what the ads don't tell you are that liver toxicity risks or in other words, the potential for liver failure (Ngo Su-Yin, 2009).  Just like the previous fan favorites such as Ephedra AKA Ma Huang, this supplement leads to potentially lethal cardiovascular and central nervous system effects which led to its ban in the US in 2004 (Ngo Su-Yin, 2009).  The components of these supplements also contain herbs and vitamins like chromium, green tea, caffeine, and hoodia, which can all add to the toxic side effects as mentioned above (Dara, Hewett, & Lim, 2008).  The problem with these added ingredients is that many people assume because they are "natural" or "herbal" they pose no risk, but since the FDA does not regulate many dietary supplements, some may still contain ingredients that have been banned, are tainted, added in excess, or have extra components not listed on the container.  These pills and many others can be bought in huge chain stores such as GNC or Vitamin World; they can also be bought online leaving the consumer at the mercy of the seller and the no-name company supplying the unregulated products. 

It goes without saying that millions of people are trying to lose weight and the multi-billion dollar dietary and weight loss industries are raking in the dough, so to speak, on the concept of popping a magic pill that will help you lose 20 pounds in just 2 weeks, which is unrealistic.  While there are a few select supplements that can aid in the weight lose process, nothing will help the individual more than good old fashion diet and exercise, in moderation of course.  We live in a society that would rather rely on something that can cause dangerous health effects for the purpose of vanity.  No supplement can replace hard work in any fitness arena be it at the gym, a park, or even in the comfort of your own home, nor can it make up for a poor lifestyle and eating choices.  If someone is already on the right path with their weight loss efforts and needs an extra boost then they should consult their physician or health care provider before purchasing any dietary or herbal supplements.  Finally, no matter what supplement you may choose, keep your expectations realistic.