Water Pills for Weight Loss

Water pills or diuretics are medications that are primarily used for expelling excess fluid from the body. Diuretics increase urination to remove extra fluid from the body. They are basically used for the treatment of certain diseases such as, water or fluid retention, high blood pressure, heart failure, some kidney diseases and liver cirrhosis. But, they are more popular among a section of the population, as a weight loss aid. It is true that water pills can help to lose a few kilos, but the result is usually temporary.

Water Pills for Losing Weight

They are medications that stimulate the kidneys to eliminate sodium from the body, which in turn promotes the expulsion of excess water from the body. By removing excess water and sodium from the body, water pills help to reduce the swelling caused by edema or water retention. Increased elimination of water from the body reduces the volume of blood, which lowers blood pressure. This is the reason why, they are mainly used for treating water retention and high blood pressure.

Water pills can be of three types, which are known as loop diuretics, potassium sparing diuretics and thiazides. Loop diuretics can prevent the re-absorption of sodium and thus increase urine output. Potassium sparing diuretics are water pills that help to expel sodium and excess water from the body while helping the body to retain potassium. Thiazides on the other hand, increase water retention in urine. As far as their effectiveness is concerned, they can help to lose some weight by removing excess water from the body.

Water can account for up to 60% of our body weight. Therefore, removal of water from the body, due to the intake of these pills can help to reduce weight. But, they can do nothing to increase the fat burning process. So, naturally their weight loss effect is temporary. Once the use of water pills is discontinued, one is likely to regain the lost weight. So, water pills can produce quick, but temporary weight loss.

Side Effects of Water Pills

Injudicious use of prescription and over the counter water pills, such as their use for weight loss can cause some serious side effects. Along with water, diuretics can remove some really important nutrients from the body. Over use of diuretics can result in electrolyte imbalance. A high dosage of diuretics can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which can prove dangerous. A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness and fainting. Women using excessive water pills can experience irregularities in their menstrual cycle. Apart from these, frequent urination, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, headaches, restlessness, dehydration, blurred vision, weakness, confusion and abnormal heart rhythm are some other common diuretics side effects.

To sum up, taking water pills to lose weight is not a healthy approach. Their prolonged use can cause a number of side effects. To avoid these side effects, these pills should be taken with caution and only under the supervision of a health care provider. As far as using water pills for shedding weight is concerned, this is considered as quite an unsafe practice by experts. Therefore, it is always better to opt for healthy measures that can give permanent results for weight loss.