Can Slimming and Diet Pills Damage Your Liver?

By Kat Fuschillo
Writer for FEP International

With Obesity on the increase, diet companies are releasing more wonder pills that are aimed at treating the condition. But, are these new slimming and diet pills safe? Read on to find out more about slimming aids and the dangers of using them.

Slimming pills for obesity...

You may have seen their ads on TV, and you might have even passed them by in your local supermarket or drug stores - non prescription slimming aids. There are a number of pills on the market that claim to aid your weight loss efforts by either suppressing your appetite, or blocking some of the fat your stomach absorbs. The prescription fat blocking pills such as the leading brand Alli, are the more popular of the two, as they can boost your weight loss by up to an extra 50%. These types of slimming pills are mostly aimed at the obese, but come with a whole host of embarrassing side effects such as uncontrollable diarrhea. But, more worryingly, the FDA have now been looking into links between the main ingredient of these pills Orlistat, and liver damage [1].

The dangers of obesity slimming aids...

Alli, the over the counter slimming aid is half the dose of the Xenical prescription pills, which are commonly used to treat obesity. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), are now worried that these pills may be causing liver damage, and other serious side effects to its users. Since the drug came onto the market, 24 patients have died while using the slimming pills. So far the following side effects have been experienced by a handful of users :

- Liver abnormalities and failure
- Hepatitis
- Gall bladder inflammation
- Organ failure

Most users of this pill can also expect to experience some of the following side effects – diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, headaches, depression, vitamin deficiency and fatigue. Regardless of the dangers, the popularity of these pills are growing at an impressive rate. It seems, those who are overweight or obese are happy to risk their health for weight loss.

The pill is aimed at those who are obese, and have a BMI of 28 and over. But, because the pill is now available without prescription, those with a lower BMI can buy the drug. There have been several reports that the pill is being used by young girls, with eating disorders to help them stay thin.

The FDA, have not yet confirmed the link between Alli and liver abnormalities, but urge patients to stop using the pill, if they experience any side effects, and to seek medical attention immediately [2 -3].


References

1. FDA studying reports of liver failure with weight loss drug Orlistat –
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/08/fda-studying-reports-of-liver-failure-with-weight-loss-drug-orlistat.html. Accessed Aug 27, 2009.

2. Slimming pill Alli monitored over liver fears –
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/dietandfitness/5749974/Slimming-pill-Alli-monitored-over-liver-fears.html. Accessed Aug 27, 2009.

3. Internet slimming pills warning –
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6407157.stm. Accessed Aug 27, 2009.

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