The debate on diet pills vs exercise is an old one, and has been raging since the early 1990s when doctors started prescribing diet pills to obese people…
The markets are flooded with diet pills that promise miracles to people with weight problems, they also claim to show studies that support their claim. Let us also admit that in today’s fast paced world not everyone has the time or the inclination to exercise. Companies manufacturing diet pills are getting richer by the day. Many of these pills are available readily over the counter and the store clerk has a piece of free advice for anyone who’s interested. People looking for a shortcut to fitness opt for these pills which make unverified claims.
There are several side effects associated with diet pills and this is the main reason why many prefer exercising over taking pills. Fitness experts believe that exercise is the best long term solution for people with weight problems. They argue that the reason people are overweight is, because of their unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. Experts say that unless you change your eating habits and lifestyle diet pills aren’t going to work for you.
Diet Pills
Diet pills work on different principles to promote weight loss and most have herbal ingredients like green tea extracts and Hoodia. They work on different formulas ranging from appetite suppressants to increasing the metabolism. The ones that work as appetite suppressants, claim to quell the hunger pangs in the user. So if you don’t feel hungry you eat less and when that happens you will experience weight loss. The pills that increase metabolism rate in the user claim that they promote consumption of stored energy in the body to induce weight loss. Manufacturers claim that these diet pills work without exercise.
Exercise
One of the best ways to induce healthy weight loss is with cardiovascular exercises. Exercises will not only help you lose weight but will also improve your endurance and strengthen the muscles. Cardiovascular exercises also improve the blood-oxygen supply in the body and increase the metabolism rate naturally. Burning calories and excess fat through exercise is recommended by many fitness and medical experts. You will however, have to invest some time and energy in exercising to enjoy its benefits. Experts recommend at least 30-40 minutes of cardiovascular activity 4-5 times a week for good results.
Include vegetables in your diet as they have high fiber content and will give you a feeling of full stomach even if you eat less. Many vegetables have negative calories meaning you lose more calories digesting them than you gain by eating them. Some veggies also work as diuretics and help the body wash away harmful toxins. Vegetables like celery, asparagus, spinach, cabbage, carrots, etc. are good for you. Add fruits to your diet as they provide essential vitamins and have antioxidant qualities. Include fruits like apple, cantaloupe, orange, pineapple, watermelon, etc. in your eating habits. Stay away from meats like beef and pork, instead eat chicken and fish if you planning to lose weight.
There have been several studies that showcase that when diet pills are used in conjunction with exercise and a diet you get the best results. In one study participants who were given diet pills and put on a healthy diet and asked to exercise lost almost double the weight than participants who were just given the diet pills. So experts advise that if you are taking diet pills, support them by following healthy eating habits, making lifestyle changes, and exercising regularly. Here are a few suggestions that can help you.
It has been observed that people who take diet pills and support them with lifestyle changes like curbing their alcohol, coffee, and cigarette intake get the desired results. It is advisable to take diet pills only after consulting your physician.