Claudio 1
Ariana Claudio
ERH-102-02
6 March 15
Help Received: Mrs. Smith on organization ideas
Pros/Cons of Weight Loss Method—Diet Pills
“More than two thirds of US adults are trying to lose or maintain weight” (Serdula 1). Aside from
proper diet and exercise, most are resorting to risky weight loss methods because of the want for rapid
and impractical results (Freedman 1S). Some view the uses of certain risky weight loss methods,
specifically diet pills, as a necessary and useful method in dieting for weight loss. In contrast, others
believe that risky diet methods should not be an option and introducing a natural diet and exercise plan is
the most consistent and safe method for weight loss.
Some people feel diet pills are useful because of their effects to the internal and external body. It
is argued through five main topics as to how diet pills will in fact assist in weight loss. First is that diet
pills can improve cardiovascular health (“Health Benefits”). As the diet pills aid in the loss of weight,
there is then less stress being placed on the heart and arteries thereby improving heart health (“Health
Benefits”). Second, diet pills can boost metabolism rates (“Health Benefits”). The pills will allow the
body to metabolize food more efficiently, causing faster weight loss (“Health Benefits”). Third, diet pills
suppress the appetite which will in turn cause a feeling of fullness; resulting in a person wanting to eat
less further assisting in weight loss (“Health Benefits”). Fourth, some pills will increase the resting energy
expenditure which allows for more calories to burn while in a state of rest which will lead to more
calories being burned overall and more weight being lost (Willett). Lastly, they can decrease lipogenesis
which prevents the development of new fat from forming in the body (Willett).
Claudio 2
On the opposing side, it is argued that most people are unaware of the possible harmful side
effects of diet pills and if they actually support weight loss (Freedman 1S). It is believed that over-thecounter diet pills, or over the counter drugs, should not be used in that they are not medically
recommended for control of weight (Pomeranz 220). According to Appendix C of the Army Body
Composition Program, some diet pills “may contain chemicals that act like drugs” (Department of Army
32). Not only can they have a damaging effect on current medical conditions or current medications, they
can cause heart failure, stroke, and extreme dehydration (Department of Army 32). Other effects that diet
pills may have are “high blood pressure, heart muscle and kidney damage, hallucinations, and seizures”
(Berg 284).
Another explanation of why diet pills appear to be a reasonable choice is the labeling that appears
on the product. Because diet pills are an over-the-counter drug, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
sets requirements for certain content that must be stated on labels (Pomeranz 221). This includes side
effects, ingredients, and directions for proper use (Pomeranz 221). Due to the fact that the labels give the
needed crucial information, the customer of the product is therefore aware of the possibilities of taking a
certain diet pill. As well as the FDA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates advertisements for
over-the-counter drugs (Pomeranz 221). The advertisements must state only the truth and if a claim is
made regarding health, safety, or product efficacy, it must have “competent and scientific evidence”
(Pomeranz 221). This means that the studies and research based on the claim must be based on accurate
and reliable procedures, and evaluated by qualified people (Pomeranz 221).
While the FDA and FTC play a major role in the distribution of diet pills and their distribution,
some “manufacturers do not need to register dietary supplements” or “get FDA approval before producing
or selling their products (Berg).” Therefore the products are being sold to all people and the FDA does not
intervene unless a problem is “reported” (Berg). Manufacturers can sell drugs without approval of FDA as
long as they meet the terms under the labeling requirements (Pomeranz 221). Though the FTC regulates
Claudio 3
advertisements of over-the-counter drugs, the “Healthy Weight Journal has reported on more than 200
questionable and fraudulent weight loss products” (Berg).
Those in favor of a natural diet and exercise plan believe that is it a superior choice in comparison
to diet pills because of the many positive effects on the body in addition to weight loss. Overall, whether
moderate or intense, regular exercise and a proper diet both benefit the body in a substantial way (Fletcher
3). Regular exercise can not only help with weight loss but also cause things such as: “increases
maximum ventilatory oxygen uptake (determines amount of blood delivered to the exercising muscles)”,
lowers blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and psychological functioning (Fletcher 1). Furthermore, healthy
diet and exercise can possibly prevent certain diseases and cancer. Exercise can help with prevention and
treatment of osteoporosis (Fletcher). In Nutrition and Exercise Immunology, it is said that “approximately
30% to 60% of all cancers could be prevented if people adopted a healthier lifestyle including proper diet
and physical activity (Nieman 156)”; specifically the development of colon cancer (Nieman 158). As well
as physical effects, there are also psychological benefits to exercising. Exercise can attenuate
cardiovascular and neurohumoral responses to mental stress, reduce depression, and increase selfconfidence and self-esteem (Fletcher 3). It is argued that the risks in exercise are capable but “relatively
infrequent” (Fletcher). Although risks are possible, they can be avoided through activities that are lower
in impact (Fletcher).
Between the two views of which method to choose in order to achieve weight loss, both focus on
the main argument of the effects to body. One point of view is diet pills are a valuable product in the
effects that they are claimed to have to assist in weight loss. This view also points out that diet pill labels
give adequate information in order for customer to be aware of possible effects and take action to prevent
them. The opposing point of view is that diet pills should not be used due to its harmful effects to the
body. Instead, it is proposed that through long term proper diet and exercise, weight loss will be achieved
and it will promote and healthy body and mind.
Claudio 4
Works Cited
Serdula MK, Mokdad AH, Williamson DF, Galuska DA, Mendlein JM, Heath GW. Prevalence of
Attempting Weight Loss and Strategies for Controlling Weight. JAMA. 1999;282(14):13531358. doi:10.1001/jama.282.14.1353.
Freedman, Marjorie, Janet King, and Eileen Kennedy. "Popular Diets: A Scientific Review" Obesity
Research 9 (2001) 1S-40S. Print.
“Health Benefits of Weight Loss Pills.” iDiet.co. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 March 2015.
Willett, Brian. “What Are the Benefits of Diet Pills?” LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG foundation,
16 Aug. 2013. Web. 4 March 2015.
Pomeranz, Jennifer L., Lisa M. Taylor, and S. Bryn Austin. "Over-The-Counter And Out-Of-Control:
Legal Strategies To Protect Youths From Abusing Products For Weight Control." American
Journal Of Public Health 103.2 (2013): 220-225. Academic Search Complete. Web. 5 Mar. 2015.
The Army Body Composition. Washington D.C: Headquarters Department of Army, 2013. Print
Berg, Frances M. "Health Risks Associated With Weight Loss And Obesity Treatment Programs."
Journal Of Social Issues 55.2 (1999): 277-297. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
Fletcher, Gerald, et al. "Statement on Exercise: Benefits and Recommendations for Physical Activity
Programs for All Americans: A Statement for Health Professionals by the Committee on Exercise
and Cardiac Rehabilitation of the Council on Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Association"
Circulation 94 (1996) 857-862. Print.
Nieman, David, Bente Pedersen. Nutrition and Exercise Immunology. New York: CRC Press, 2000. Print.
Word Count:1023