Information on Diuretics and Diet Pills
What are they?
Diuretics are chemical substances that help to rid the body of excess fluids. They do this by forcing the kidneys to excrete urine more frequently, and in greater amounts. Dieters use diuretics to assist in weight loss.
Diet pills function differently than diuretics- they target the region of the brain responsible for the sensation of hunger. Diet pills act as an appetite suppressor, and trick the brain into thinking the stomach is full. Most diet pills contain caffeine.
Street Names:
Fen-phen, Chromium, Dexatrim, Ultra-Trim, Aqua-Ban, Naturade
How are they taken?
Taken orally (pills or tablets)
The Scoop on diuretics/diet pills
Many people think that use of diuretics or diet pills can cause dramatic and permanent weight loss. However, the reality is that should weight loss happen, it is often temporary, and can be accompanied by rapid weight gain, severe mood swings, and depression. The problem can be compounded with eating disorders (such as bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating).
Short Terms Effects of diuretics/diet pills:
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Bed-wetting
- Frequent need/desire to urinate
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Thirst
- Menstrual irregularities
- Uncoordination
- Nausea
- kidney failure
- Infections
- Change of appetite
- Gastrointestinal difficulties/disorders
Long Term Effects of diuretics/diet pills:
- Liver and kidney failure
- Causes damage to the heart and blood vessels
Tolerance:
Tolerance to diuretics and diet pills can very easily develop, and professional intervention may be necessary.
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Withdrawal symptoms for diuretics include an inability to urinate, irritability, loss of appetite, fatigue, and depression.
Athletes and diuretics:
Athletes use diuretics in a variety of ways, the most common being weight maintenance. Sports with weight restrictions (such as rowing or wrestling) show the largest concentration of diuretic use. However, athletes who use anabolic steroids frequently use diuretics to dilute the presence of the steroids in the urine. The combination anabolic steroids and diuretics is very risky, and can have severe effects on the body.
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