Diet pill decision
Question
My weight fluctuates all the time and although I've been sick after eating recently I'm still getting fatter. I'm getting desperate now, my weight seems to constantly jump up and down. I just can't stop myself thinking about food all the time. I was looking at diet pills available online and want to try them but a friend was telling me there might be health risks. Are they safe to use? Are there any alternatives? I'm desperate, I'm already a size 14 and feel I need to sort this out, please help me.
Answer
It sounds like you are going through a tough time at the moment. Feeling the way you do about food can be very confusing and can compound the problem of fluctuating weight.
To lose weight very quickly you would have to drastically cut down on the amount you are eating, or drastically increase the amount of exercise you do. Both of these methods can be harmful and are certainly not a healthy way to lose weight. Making yourself sick after eating also carries risks, including possible damage to your digestive system and your teeth.
As you have already discovered, with your weight fluctuating up and down all the time, losing weight quickly often means you put it back on quickly. The recommended weight loss is one to two pounds per week.
Diet pills are designed for people who are seriously overweight or obese. You don't say what your current weight is, but a size 14 is an average size in the UK, which makes you far from obese. In the short term, diet pills may help you shed weight, although there are doubts about their safety and how effective they are. Your friend is correct in that there are risks associated with using them, especially if you are self-medicating.
Taking diet pills will not cure your problem with food. Diet pills and dieting will not address the problem with food you describe at the start of your question. Is there any reason you feel you should lose weight quickly? What do you feel will be different when you are smaller? Have discussed the way you feel about food and eating with anyone?
Feeling desperate about food and your weight can be very distressing. Speaking to someone about how you feel may help you cope with your relationship with food and to how you feel about yourself. The Eating Disorders Association (EDA) has a helpline that you could call to talk through how you are feeling. If you're over 18 you can call them on 0845 634 1414 between 8:30am and 8:30pm Monday - Friday, and if you're under 18 and you can call 0845 634 7650 between 4pm and 6.30pm weekdays, and on Saturday afternoons.
You can also email the EDA, but if you feel you can, it might be best to talk to someone on the phone so it's possible for the helpline staff to ask you questions and help you more effectively.
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Question answered by bss
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