Quick fix weight reduction solutions 'could be fatal

Diet pills, teas or supplements that claim to become herbal might have negative effects -- even result in death, warn doctors.

Based on them, greater lishou diet pills than Half of patients seeking medical help to slim down may have already tried their luck with quick-fix weight-loss solutions,.

"At least half those who come to us have already tried such measures on their own. Many times they slim down only to gain it back," Sakina Mustansir Zakir, clinical dietician at Prime Medical Centre told XPRESS.

"Pills or supplements, even if they claim to be herbal, might have negative effects," she added.

Dubai Municipality keeps issuing warnings and banning some dangerous supplements every so often, particularly those containing sibutramine and phenolphatlein.

Incidences of people suffering side-effects from all of these medicines are typical. "We have observed that at least 12-15 per cent of people that take weight-loss supplements, tea and pills on their own develop gallbladder stones. Liver toxicity, dizziness and gastric troubles are also common," said Dr Hala Yousuf Hamdy, specialist endocrinologist at RAK Hospital.

There are lots of supplements boasting "magical" weight reduction claims available for sale or on the internet and doctors warn people against giving them a shot without proper advice.

Hard lesson

Jocelyn, a homemaker learnt this hard way. "I tried various solutions, I once went on this 15-day detox I purchased online. It solved the problem lose a few kilos but [after a stopped it, I gained back more. Later, I bought a supplement that replaced two meals. But I gained greater than I lost. I attempted a diet herbal tea, but it produced dangerous cramps and diarrhoea and that i was sick for 3 days. Now i avoid these kinds of drugs," said Joecelin.

Doctors say there isn't any short-cut to losing weight. Healthy diet allied with exercise is the key.

"Diet and exercise are very important in any weight reduction regimen. Weight loss pills are medically indicated just for chronic weight management. We're able to prescribe them if the BMI is more than 27 and also the patient is struggling with a weight-related condition.

"Even in cases where the slim forte slimming capsule BMI is greater than 35 or 40, other measures are advised. But under no condition should one try such solutions without expert medical guidance," warned Dr Hala.