Quick fix weight loss solutions 'could be fatal'

Dubai: Weight loss pills, teas or supplements that claim to be herbal can have adverse effects — even lead to death, warn doctors.

According to them, more than 50 per cent of patients seeking medical help to lose weight may have already tried their luck with quick-fix weight-loss solutions,.

“At least half the people who come to us have already tried such measures on their own. Many times they lose weight 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, can have adverse effects,” she added.

Dubai Municipality keeps issuing warnings and banning some dangerous supplements from time to time, especially those containing sibutramine and phenolphatlein.

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

There are many supplements boasting “magical” weight loss claims available in the market or online and doctors warn people against trying them out without proper advice.

Hard lesson

Jocelyn, a homemaker learnt this the hard way. “I tried various solutions, I once went on this 15-day detox I bought online. It helped me 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 more than I lost. I tried a weight loss herbal tea, but it caused serious cramps and diarrhoea and I was sick for three days. I now stay away from all such drugs,” said Joecelin.

Doctors say there is no short cut to losing weight. Proper diet allied with exercise is the key.

“Diet and exercise are crucial in any weight loss regimen. Weight loss pills are medically indicated only for chronic weight management. We could prescribe them if the BMI is more than 27 and the patient is suffering from a weight-related condition.

“Even in cases where the BMI is higher than 35 or 40, other measures are advised. But under no condition should one try such solutions without expert medical guidance,” warned Dr Hala.