Dietary diets for weight loss: contraindications and side effects

Dietary diets for weight loss: contraindications and side effects

I. Classification of dietary supplements for weight loss and action mechanisms

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) for weight loss are an extensive and heterogeneous group of products positioned as auxiliary means to reduce weight. It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not drugs and do not pass the same strict quality control and effectiveness as pharmaceuticals. The mechanisms of action of dietary supplements for weight loss vary depending on the composition and declared properties. They can be conditionally classified as follows:

A. Dietary supplements, suppressing appetite (anorectic):

1. Fiber: Fiber, represented by various types of fibers (cellulose, pectin, guar gum, psllium), contributes to the creation of a sense of saturation by increasing the volume in the stomach and slowing down the digestive process. This leads to a decrease in calorie intake.

   • The mechanism of action: The fiber absorbs water, swells in the stomach, stimulates the baro -receptors of the stomach that signals saturation. The absorption of carbohydrates also slows down, preventing sharp jumps in blood glucose levels.
   • Examples: Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), bran, psillium.

2. Bades containing substances affecting neurotransmitters: Some dietary supplements contain substances that are claimed to affect neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate appetite, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

   • The mechanism of action: It is assumed that an increase in the concentration of serotonin improves mood and reduces cravings for carbohydrates, while the effect on dopamine and norepinephrine can reduce hunger and increase energy.
   • Examples: 5-HTP (5-hydroxyryptophan), Hoodia Gordonii (controversial evidence of effectiveness).

3. Hormones -based dietary supplements (controversial): Some dietary supplements are advertised as hormones containing, such as leptin or hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), to suppress appetite.

   • The mechanism of action: Theoretically, leptin regulates the energy balance and appetite, and HCG, used for medical purposes for the treatment of infertility, supposedly contributes to fat burning.
   • Dangers: The use of dietary supplements with hormones without a doctor’s control is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious hormonal disorders. The effectiveness of hCG for weight loss has not been proven by scientific research.

B. Bades, accelerating metabolism (thermogenics):

1. Caffeine and other stimulants: Caffeine, green tea, guarana, synephrine and other stimulants increase thermogenesis (heat production in the body), which leads to an increase in calories.

   • The mechanism of action: Stimulants activate the sympathetic nervous system, releasing norepinephrine and adrenaline, which accelerate the heart rhythm, increase blood pressure and stimulate the breakdown of fats (lipolysis).
   • Examples: Caffeine, green tea extract, guarana extract, Sinefrin (Gorky Orange Extract).

2. L-Carnitin: L-carnitine is involved in the transport of fatty acids in mitochondria, where they are burned for energy.

   • The mechanism of action: Theoretically, L-carnitine contributes to more efficient use of fats as a source of energy. However, the effectiveness of L-carnitine for weight loss remains controversial.
   • Important: The effectiveness of L-carnitine for weight loss is most likely when combined with physical exercises.

3. Extracts of plants with thermogenic effect: Some plant extracts, such as Kayensky pepper (capsaicin) and ginger, have thermogenic properties.

   • The mechanism of action: Capsaicin stimulates thermogenesis and can increase the feeling of saturation. Ginger also has anti -inflammatory properties and can improve digestion.

C. Bades blocking the absorption of fats and carbohydrates:

1. Fat blockers: The most famous fat block is an eagleistat (xenic), which is a drug, not a dietary supplement, but there are dietary supplements containing substances that are allegedly blocking the assimilation of fats.

   • The mechanism of action: Lipase inhibitors, such as Orlistat, prevent the breakdown of fats in the intestines, which leads to a decrease in their absorption.
   • Important: Bades declared as fat blockers may contain ineffective doses of active substances or have a dubious origin.

2. Carbohydrate blockers: Some dietary supplements contain substances that are claimed to block enzymes that break down carbohydrates (for example, alpha amylase), which leads to a decrease in their absorption.

   • The mechanism of action: Alpha-amylase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of starch into simple sugar, which reduces the glycemic food index and reduces the absorption of carbohydrates.
   • Examples: White beans extract (Phaseolus vulgaris).

D. Bades with a diuretic and laxative effect:

1. Diuretic dietary supplements: These dietary supplements contain plant components with diuretic effects, which leads to the elimination of excessive fluid from the body.

   • The mechanism of action: Diuretics increase the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, which leads to a temporary reduction in weight due to a decrease in fluid retention.
   • Examples: Parsley extract, braid extract, dandelion extract.

2. Laxative dietary supplements: These dietary supplements contain plant components with a laxative effect, which leads to acceleration of food through the intestines and reducing the absorption of nutrients.

   • The mechanism of action: The laxatives stimulate intestinal motility, which leads to a more frequent and plentiful stool.
   • Examples: Senna, Krushina, Aloe.

II. Contraindications to the use of dietary supplements for weight loss

The use of dietary supplements for weight loss has a number of contraindications due to their composition and potential effects on the body. It is important to consider the following factors:

A. General contraindications:

1. Pregnancy and lactation: Most dietary supplements for weight loss are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since their safety for the development of the fetus and health of the baby has not been studied. Some components of dietary supplements can penetrate through the placenta or breast milk and have a negative effect.

2. Children and adolescence: Literation dietary supplements are not intended for children and adolescents, since their body is in the stage of active growth and development, and intervention in metabolic processes can lead to undesirable consequences.

3. Individual intolerance to components: Allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the components of dietary supplements are common contraindications. Before use, it is necessary to carefully study the composition of the product and make sure that there are no allergies to the ingredients included in it.

4. Severe diseases of internal organs: In the presence of serious diseases of the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system, the use of dietary supplements for weight loss is contraindicated or requires special caution and consultation with a doctor.

5. Mental disorders: In the presence of mental disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, depression, the use of dietary supplements for weight loss can aggravate the condition and lead to unpredictable consequences.

6. Taking drugs: Dietary supplements for weight loss can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, as well as causing undesirable side effects. Before using dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you take any medicine.

B. Specific contraindications depending on the type of dietary supplement:

1. Appetite dietary supplements:

   • Containing stimulants (caffeine, Sinefrin): They are contraindicated in hypertension, arrhythmias, glaucoma, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, thyroid diseases.
   • Containing fiber: They are contraindicated in acute inflammatory diseases of the intestine, intestinal obstruction, ulcer of the stomach and duodenum in the aggravation stage.

2. Bades that accelerate metabolism:

   • Thermogenics (caffeine, green tea extract): Contraindicated in cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, arrhythmia, insomnia, anxiety disorders, thyroid diseases.
   • L-Carnitin: Contraindicated in kidney diseases, cramps.

3. Bades blocking the assimilation of fats and carbohydrates:

   • Fat blockers (based on chitosan): Contraindicated in allergies to seafood, blood coagulation disorders.
   • Carbohydrate blockers (white beans extract): They can cause bloating and flatulence.

4. Bades with a diuretic and laxative effect:

   • Diuretic: Contraindicated for diseases of the kidneys, hypokalemia, dehydration.
   • Laxatives: Contraindicated in acute inflammatory diseases of the intestine, intestinal obstruction, pain in the abdomen of unclear origin, hemorrhoids in the exacerbation stage. Long -term use of laxatives can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and addiction.

III. Side effects of dietary supplements for weight loss

Side effects of dietary supplements for weight loss can vary depending on the composition, dosage, individual sensitivity and the presence of concomitant diseases. It is important to remember that dietary supplements do not pass as strict security control as drugs, and often contain ingredients whose efficiency and safety are not proven by scientific research.

A. General side effects:

1. From the gastrointestinal tract:

   • Diarrhea: It can be caused by laxative components, fat blockers, intolerance to individual ingredients.
   • Constipation: It can be caused by insufficient use of fluid when taking fiber, some carbohydrates blockers.
   • Nausea, vomiting: Can be caused by stimulants, individual intolerance, overdose.
   • Bloating, flatulence: Can be caused by fiber, carbohydrate blockers.
   • Stomach ache: Can be caused by laxative, individual intolerance, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

2. From the cardiovascular system:

   • Improving blood pressure: It can be caused by stimulants (caffeine, Sinefrin).
   • Far heartbeat, arrhythmia: Can be caused by stimulants.
   • Dizziness: It can be caused by stimulants, dehydration.

3. From the nervous system:

   • Insomnia: It can be caused by stimulants.
   • Anxiety, irritability: Can be caused by stimulants.
   • Headache: It can be caused by stimulants, dehydration.
   • Nervousness: It can be caused by stimulants.

4. From the endocrine system:

   • Menstrual cycle disorders: Can be caused by hormonal disorders caused by some components of dietary supplements.
   • Changes in the level of thyroid hormones: Can be caused by stimulants containing iodine.

5. Allergic reactions:

   • Skin rash, itching, urticaria: Can be caused by any component of dietary supplements.
   • Quincke edema, anaphylactic shock: Rare, but serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical care.

6. Other side effects:

   • Dehydration: It can be caused by diuretic and laxative components.
   • Electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia): It can be caused by diuretic and laxative components.
   • Renal failure: It can be caused by prolonged use of diuretic components.
   • Addition of laxatives: Long -term use of laxatives can lead to a decrease in natural intestinal motility and the need to increase the dose to achieve the effect.
   • Deficiency of vitamins and minerals: It can be caused by a violation of the absorption of nutrients with prolonged use of some dietary supplements.

B. Specific side effects depending on the type of dietary supplement:

1. Appetite dietary supplements:

   • Containing stimulants (caffeine, Sinefrin): Increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, anxiety, tremor, headache.
   • Containing fiber: Bloating, flatulence, constipation (with insufficient use of liquid).
   • Containing 5-HTP (5-hydroxitriptophanes): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness.

2. Bades that accelerate metabolism:

   • Thermogenics (caffeine, green tea extract): Increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, anxiety, tremor, headache, nausea, vomiting.
   • L-Carnitin: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unpleasant smell of body (rarely).

3. Bades blocking the assimilation of fats and carbohydrates:

   • Fat blockers (based on chitosan): Diarrhea, oily discharge from the rectum, fecal incontinence, bloating, violation of the absorption of fat -soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
   • Carbohydrate blockers (white beans extract): Bloating, flatulence, diarrhea.

4. Bades with a diuretic and laxative effect:

   • Diuretic: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia), dizziness, weakness, renal failure (with prolonged use).
   • Laxatives: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, addiction, “lazy intestine” syndrome (with prolonged use).

IV. Interaction of dietary supplements for weight loss with drugs

Dietary dietary supplements can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or enhancing side effects. It is important to consider the following potential interactions:

A. Interactions with stimulants (caffeine, Sinefrin):

1. Antidepressants (MAO inhibitors): The combination of stimulants with MAO inhibitors can lead to a sharp increase in blood pressure and hypertonic crisis.

2. Beta blockers: Stimulants can reduce the efficiency of beta-blockers used to treat hypertension and arrhythmias.

3. Anticoagulants (warfarin): Stimulants can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.

4. Preparations for the treatment of thyroid gland (levotiroxin): Stimulants can enhance the effect of levotiroxin, leading to hyperthyroidism.

B. Interactions with fat blockers (based on chitosan):

1. Fatable vitamins (A, D, E, K): Fat blockers can worsen the absorption of fat -soluble vitamins, which can lead to a deficiency of these vitamins. It is recommended to take fat-soluble vitamins separately from fat blockers, with an interval of at least 2-3 hours.

2. Medications requiring fat for absorption: Fat blockers can reduce the absorption of some drugs requiring fat for absorption, such as cyclosporin (immunosuppressant).

C. Interactions with diuretics and laxatives:

1. Digoxin: Diuretic and laxatives can cause hypokalemia, which enhances the toxicity of digoxin (the drug for the treatment of heart failure).

2. Corticosteroids: Diuretic and laxatives can strengthen the loss of potassium caused by corticosteroids.

3. Antidiabetic drugs (insulin, metformin): Diuretic and laxatives can affect the level of glucose in the blood and change the need for antidiabetic drugs.

D. Interactions with antidepressants (SSRIS, SNRIS):

1. 5-HTP (5-hydroxyryptophan): The combination of 5-HTP with SSRIS or SNRIS can lead to serotonin syndrome, characterized by excitement, tremor, increased sweating, confusion and other serious symptoms.

V. The risks associated with the uncontrolled use of dietary supplements for weight loss

The uncontrolled use of dietary supplements for weight loss carries a number of health risks:

A. Inaccurate information about the composition and efficiency:

1. Lack of quality standards: Dietary supplements do not pass the same strict quality control as drugs, which can lead to the inconsistency of the declared and actual composition, the presence of impurities and falsifications.

2. Unproven effectiveness: Many dietary supplements for weight loss do not have sufficient scientific evidence of effectiveness, and their action can be based on a placebo effect or marketing tricks.

3. Excessed promises: Manufacturers of dietary supplements often give excessive promises of quick and easy weight loss, which can mislead consumers and create unrealistic expectations.

B. Lack of consultation with a doctor:

1. Ignoring contraindications: With the independent choice of dietary supplements, people often do not take into account the contraindications and individual characteristics of the body, which can lead to the development of side effects and complications.

2. Interaction with drugs: Without consulting a doctor, it is difficult to evaluate the potential interactions of dietary supplements with drugs, which can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of treatment or enhance side effects.

3. Deading a doctor: Passion for dietary supplements can distract from the search and eliminate the true causes of overweight and delay the doctor’s appeal to receive qualified medical care.

C. Development of side effects and complications:

1. Side effects: The uncontrolled use of dietary supplements can lead to the development of various side effects described above, which can worsen the quality of life and require medical care.

2. Complications: In severe cases, the uncontrolled use of dietary supplements can lead to serious complications, such as renal failure, liver failure, cardiac arrhythmia, electrolyte imbalance and even death.

D. Formation of unhealthy power and lifestyle habits:

1. Replacing a healthy diet: Passion for dietary supplements can lead to a replacement for a healthy diet with a balanced diet and physical exercises, which does not contribute to the formation of stable habits of a healthy lifestyle.

2. Development of dependence: Psychological dependence on dietary supplements can be formed with prolonged use and lead to a constant need for these products to maintain weight.

VI. Alternatives for dietary badam for weight loss

Instead of using dietary supplements for weight loss, there are safer and more effective methods of weight loss based on a change in lifestyle and food correction:

A. Balanced nutrition:

1. Reducing the calorie content of the diet: A decrease in calories consumption by 500-750 kcal per day from the usual norm can lead to a gradual weight loss by 0.5-1 kg per week.

2. Increased protein consumption: Protein helps saturation and helps maintain muscle mass when losing weight.

3. Restriction of consumption of simple carbohydrates and saturated fats: Reducing the consumption of sugar, sweets, white bread, fatty meat and processed products helps to reduce the calorie content of the diet and improve the general state of health.

4. Increase in fiber consumption: Fiber promotes saturation and improves digestion.

5. Regular nutrition: Power supply in small portions 5-6 times a day helps to maintain a stable level of blood glucose and prevents overeating.

B. Regular physical exercises:

1. Aerobic loads (cardio): Running, swimming, cycling, walking-these types of activity contribute to the burning of calories and strengthening the cardiovascular system.

2. Power training: Power training helps to increase muscle mass, which accelerates metabolism and helps to burn calories even at rest.

3. The recommended duration of physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity per week.

C. Change in food behavior:

1. Conscious nutrition: Focus on the process of food, an attentive perception of taste and smell of food, avoiding abstracts during food.

2. Portations control: The use of smaller plates, measurement of portions, avoiding overeating.

3. Keeping a food diary: Record of food consumed and drinks helps to realize your food habits and identify problematic issues.

4. Work with stress: Stress can lead to overeating. It is important to find stress control methods, such as meditation, yoga, walking in the fresh air.

D. Consultation with a doctor or nutritionist:

1. Individual plan of weight loss: A doctor or nutritionist can develop an individual weight loss plan taking into account your characteristics of the body, health status and food habits.

2. Medical examination: The doctor can conduct a medical examination to identify possible causes of overweight and exclude diseases that can affect the weight loss process.

3. Support and motivation: A doctor or nutritionist may provide support and motivation necessary to achieve your goals.

VII. Legislative regulation of dietary supplements for weight loss

Legislative regulation of dietary supplements for weight loss varies in different countries. It is important to consider the following aspects:

A. Differences from drugs:

1. Less strict control: Bades do not go through the same strict quality control and effectiveness as drugs.

2. Do not require a recipe: Bad can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.

3. Not intended for the treatment of diseases: Bades are positioned as auxiliary means to maintain health and are not intended for the treatment of diseases.

B. Requirements for labeling and advertising:

1. Product composition: The Bad label should indicate the full composition of the product, including all ingredients and their number.

2. Warning and contraindications: The label should indicate warnings about possible side effects and contraindications for use.

3. Inaccurate advertising: Advertising of dietary supplements should not contain false or misleading statements about their effectiveness.

C. Manufacturer’s responsibility:

1. Product Security: The manufacturer is responsible for the safety of the product and compliance with its declared composition.

2. Side effects message: The manufacturer is obliged to report any side effects associated with the use of its product.

VIII. Conclusion

Dietary supplements for weight loss can pose a potential threat to health, especially with uncontrolled use and lack of consultation with a doctor. It is important to remember that effective and safe weight loss requires an integrated approach, including a balanced nutrition, regular physical exercises and a change in food behavior. Before making a decision on the use of dietary supplements for losing weight, it is necessary to carefully weigh all the risks and advantages, consult a doctor or nutritionist and make sure the safety and efficiency of the chosen product. It is better to invest in a healthy lifestyle than to risk your health for the sake of dubious results.