Harmful Effects of Fat Burners

Fat burners and other diet pills have been the subject of scrutiny over the years. The market for fat burning pills is a multi-billion dollar business, and consumers are routinely bombarded by advertisements for the next fat burner pill. Newer drugs on the market have been clinically proven to help dieters lose weight; however, these weight loss pills and other fat burners come with unsettling side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, there's no "magic bullet" for losing weight. The most effective ways to lose weight and burn fat are to eat healthy and exercise.

Stomach Issues

• Fat burners can cause a variety of stomach and digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or stomach pain. One popular drug helps people lose weight by blocking the absorption of fat. However, it also blocks the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Some fat burners can also lead to unpleasant stomach-related side effects such as leakage and oily bowel movements. One popular supplement, CLA, can cause gastrointestinal troubles such as indigestion and diarrhea.

High Blood Pressure

• Fat burners can lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart palpitations, which can make you more susceptible to dangerous heart conditions like stroke and heart attack. In addition, an increase in blood pressure can make you more jittery, nervous and anxious. Certain diet drugs have been shown to increase blood pressure in some users.

Sleep Effects

• People who use fat burners may have trouble sleeping, and can experience problems such as insomnia, restlessness and night terrors. These can lead to negative effects such as decreased work performance and increased risk of accidents while driving.

Organ Damage

• Fat burners may lead to damage of vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, sexual organs and liver. Some fat burners can lead to urinary tract infections, and other can disturb womens' menstrual cycles. The FDA is currently investigating one popular fat burner drug over several reports of liver injury.