Slimmers can choose from a long list of plans when it comes to losing weight. Some may opt for a more structured diet, like the low-carb keto diet, while others may cut items out altogether, similar to Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid who ditched alcohol. Recently, dieters have taken to using slimming pills to help shift the weight. Many weight loss pills claim to contain herbs or natural substances that speed up metabolism or make slimmers feel full to discourage them from eating. But do they actually work? And are they safe?
Leading nutritionist Lily Soutter spoke to Express.co.uk about the popular diet trend.
She warmed dieters to beware of slimming pills, which she says could cause more serious health issues down the line.
Lily is a London nutritionist, who specialises in workplace wellness and the tools needed to make practical, sustainable and positive dietary changes regardless of a busy schedule. She has frequently appeared on ITV’s This Morning with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
She said: “Fat metaboliser or fat burner pills are big within the diet industry and are hard to miss. They usually contain a range of stimulants, so called ‘superfoods’ and extra ingredients which have next-to-non approved health claims for weight loss.”
She continued: “As with all diet pills, many are unregulated and can be downright dangerous especially if bought over the internet as you can never be sure of what is inside them.”
Lily explained that dieters need to be careful with such pills as they could increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to the ingredients they contain.
She continued: “Even with pills found on the shelves of respectable well-known shops, many of of them contain high levels of stimulants such as caffeine, guarana and yerba mate. Whilst there is research that these ingredients do increase alertness, there is mixed evidence around weight loss.”
“A big problem with having the main ingredients as a stimulant is the fact that it can increase risk for heart attack and stroke. Some websites even tell customers not to be alarmed if they notice their heart-rate speeding up, because it’s just a sign of the product doing its job.”