How many of you think that diet pills have no adverse effects? Chances are, most of you reading this article believe that these pills are safe. After all, in a survey conducted by the University of Connecticut, it was found that 54 per cent of adult dieters thought that diet pills, especially the ones available over-the-counter, have been tested and accepted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and thus are safe. However, so far, only one over-the-counter diet pill – Alli – has met FDA’s regulatory standard, even though its ingredient, orlistant, produces some unhealthy effects, such as extreme diarrhea and oily spotting. Therefore, before you choose to use any diet pill, have a good look at its ingredients. In addition, be cautious of the following ingredients:

1. Bitter orange: It is found in pills such as TrimSpa and CortiSlim. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, this ingredient leads to increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

2. Usnic Acid: It is a component of diet supplements such as Lypolyze. However, the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that usnic acid can cause serious liver toxicity, which can ultimately lead to death.

3. Kava: It is either marketed as an herb or in “kava kava supplements”. However, according to the FDA, dieters should never use kava since it causes liver toxicity.