In this episode, I will be discussing diet pills and sharing my perspective as a nutrition and dietetics expert. I hold a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, as well as a master’s degree in exercise science and sports nutrition. My master’s thesis focused on reverse dieting, healing metabolism from diet burnout, and the long-term effects of dieting on results and mentality.
I have worked with numerous clients who have taken diet pills, both medical and non-medical, and have observed that they struggle to achieve sustainable weight loss. Therefore, I do not recommend diet pills.
In this episode, I will provide education on why I discourage the use of diet pills. If you are currently taking them, I will also share my thoughts on how to stop taking them without experiencing weight regain.
Let’s dive into the topic of diet pills for weight loss, separating myths from facts.
Diet pills function similarly to diets, but they also contain hunger suppressants that affect our hunger hormones. This may sound appealing initially because it seems to reduce the desire to eat, leading to weight loss. However, this approach has negative long-term effects on our bodies.
When you stop taking diet pills, weight regain often occurs, forcing you to rely on them indefinitely. This is not a sustainable solution.
Let’s explore the different components of diet pills. First, hunger suppressants. While eating less can result in weight loss, this approach is ineffective if you are already in a calorie deficit or have never dieted before. Additionally, suppressing hunger disrupts the functioning of our hunger hormones, which can have detrimental effects on our metabolism and digestion.
Feeling hunger is a natural and necessary bodily function. Many clients I have worked with struggle to identify their hunger cues due to prolonged restriction. It is crucial to listen to our bodies and provide them with the fuel they need.
Eating less can lead to short-term weight loss, but it is not sustainable in the long run. For example, if you are already in a calorie deficit and add diet pills to the equation, the impact will be minimal. On the other hand, if you go from a surplus to a restricted intake with diet pills, you will experience initial weight loss but will likely struggle to maintain it.
Diet pills are like expensive band-aids. When you remove them, weight regain and disrupted hunger hormones can occur. Instead, I urge you to focus on sustainable weight loss through a safe calorie deficit. It may take longer, but it will lead to lasting results.
If you are currently taking diet pills and want to stop without experiencing weight regain, I recommend considering reverse dieting. This process involves gradually increasing your calorie intake while ensuring proper nutrition. It allows your body to heal and establish a healthy metabolism.
Remember, supplements are not a magic solution. It is possible to heal our bodies naturally and create sustainable changes without relying on external aids.
Investing in a sustainable lifestyle and prioritizing long-term health is far more beneficial than seeking quick fixes or relying on diet pills.
I hope this episode provides you with valuable insights into the myths and facts surrounding diet pills. Thank you for listening, and I appreciate your support. Don’t forget to leave a five-star rating and review to help spread the word about this podcast. Take care, and I’ll see you in the next episode!