Hoodia is a popular ingredient in many diet pills, but beware of imitations.
Celebrity diet pills are a dime a dozen, and science has yet to confirm that any of them work. Common sense dictates that none of these "miracle" pills help people lose weight, because if they did, then we would all be thin and toned. Keep in mind that most Hollywood stars have personal trainers, award-winning personal chefs, and nutritionists at their beck and call, so their claims of remarkable weight loss from a diet pill should be taken with a grain of salt. However, if you simply cannot resist trying one of these diet pills, follow these steps to ensure the best results.
Instructions
Choosing a Celebrity Diet Pill That's Right for You
1. Don't believe the hype. The more skeptical you are about the promises made by the media, the better off you will be. So if you stay wary of these promises to lose weight fast, then hopefully you can also avoid many diet pill pitfalls such as wasting money on expensive pills that don't work, or risking your health and even your life. The infomercials and magazine ads are designed to sell you a product, while the benefits of the product remain uncertain.
2. Do your research. It's always important to do research before making any final decisions, especially when that decision may significantly impact your health. Therefore, you owe it to yourself to read the fine print on diet pill bottles and make sure that the ingredients in the pill have been FDA-approved. It is imperative to educate yourself on the ingredients in the pill. One popular ingredient found in many diet pills is ephedrine. In 2004 the FDA banned the use of ephedrine due to abuse and misuse that led to adverse health reactions. Currently, the U.S. government imposes limits on the amount of ephedrine allowable for use and sale. Another popular ingredient in diet pills is hoodia gordonii, a spiny plant that grows mainly in South Africa and Namibia that has been used by indigenous peoples to suppress their appetite during long hunting expeditions. However, the use of hoodia as an appetite suppressant has not been adequately researched, and much of what is known about the plant is based on anecdotal evidence. Furthermore, the authenticity of the hoodia in many of these pills is unknown.
3. Consider the celebrity's credibility before you make your choice. Sometimes just a look at the celebrity endorsing a diet pill can tell you all that you need to know about the product. A-list Hollywood stars rarely associate their image or brand with diet pills or other fad diets because they know that there is not enough evidence to support the claims made by the diet companies. It is unlikely that a celebrity with a large fan base would endorse a product that might be dangerous or unreliable. Thus, you can often judge a diet pill by the celebrity on its cover. The late Anna Nicole Smith famously endorsed TrimSpa, a diet pill that claimed to have enabled the starlet to get back in shape. Unfortunately, her erratic behavior and tragic demise (although not caused by the pill) further tarnished the already dubious reputation of the diet pill industry. If you are choosing a diet pill based solely on the celebrity factor, at the very least pick one endorsed by the more health-conscious ones.
4. Consult a physician. Diet pills have a questionable reputation for a reason: they rarely yield results, and can pose a serious health risk if abused. As a smart consumer and dieter, you should talk to your doctor before purchasing and using the pills. He will educate you on any possible side effects or health risks.
5. Follow instructions for use. This step is a no-brainer, but many people often ignore the product instructions and follow their own pill-taking regimen. As with any drug or supplement, it is extremely important to take the necessary precautions to avoid misuse. Read the directions on the bottle before beginning use of the pill. Never take more than the recommended dosage in order to avoid any side effects or possible overdose. Moreover, following proper instructions will ensure the best and safest results.
