Diet Pills are the fastest growing segment of the health industry. Diet pill ads are popping up everywhere, particularly on the internet. The only problem is that people do not fully understand how they really work.

How do diet pills work?

Most over the counter diet pills work by increasing your body's energy expenditure. One of the most common ingredients known as caffeine, raises your metabolism by increasing the breakdown of fatty acids and reducing your appetite. This increase in energy and decrease in appetite is a great combination for burning fat. However, when used for long periods of time, it can become very unhealthy.

What is in diet pills?

In late 2003, based on evidence that it caused heart attacks, Ephedrine was banned as an ingredient in diet pills. Diet pills now generally contain a mixture of vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, folic acid) and of course caffeine or any number of herbs. With any supplement, herb, or medication, the best advice is to read labels.

Are they safe?

Diet pill side effects can range from dizziness, nausea, and increased urination. More severe side effects include chest pain, heart attack, liver and kidney damage, stroke, seizures, and even death. After a few months your body develops a tolerance for the pill's effects. In this fashion, diet pills are meant to be taken for a very short period of time.With the combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise, diet pills can always give you that little extra boost to loose a few extra pounds. Considering the fact that a majority of the U.S. population are overweight or obese, it is no wonder that many thousands of us are looking for fast ways to drop extra pounds. Many people even run to the doctor for liposuction or gastric bypass. These diet pills can be safe when not abused.