Fat Blocker Side Effects

Fat blockers are common diet drugs sold over-the-counter in the United States. The drugs work by blocking the amount of fat absorbed by the body, which causes the person to gain less weight and even lose weight when taking the pills. However, there are certain side effects.

History

• In the early 1980s the FDA pulled several fat blocker medications from the store shelves because of the side effects, as well as the fact that the pills didn't work as the manufacturers claimed.

Digestion Problems

• Digestion problems are another common side effect of taking fat blockers. These problems include diarrhea and vomiting, which is caused by the inability of the body to properly digest fat.

Deficiency

• If you use fat blockers on a long-term basis, you may experience a vitamin deficiency. These pills prevent the body from absorbing some vitamins like vitamins F, D and A.

Nausea

• Users of fat blockers have also complained about side effects relating to nausea and cramping of the stomach. The cramping can be quite severe at times.

Bloating

• Bloating and gas are the two most common side effects associated with taking a fat blocker. The severity of the gas and bloating depends on the amount of pills taken.