Using over-the-counter diet pills, diuretics (medicine that makes you lose fluid), or laxatives to lose weight is dangerous. Just because you see ads or commercials for them doesn't mean they're safe.

Most diet pills contain stimulants like caffeine to make you less hungry. But your appetite is natural-it's the way your body lets you know it's hungry and needs nourishment. Taking diet pills deprives your body of the food it needs for growth.

Some weight-loss aids may contain a diuretic, which increases the loss of body water by going to the bathroom. This can result in a quick loss of pounds that consist of water and important minerals that aren't absorbed by your cells before the fluid leaves your body. It can make you dehydrated, and you will almost surely gain the weight back as soon as you drink liquids.

Another risk of diet pills is that the stimulant action can raise your blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. Stimulants make people hyper, restless, and cranky. Diet pills also can be addictive.

Resist any temptation you have to lose weight quickly and easily through diet aids. There's always a catch.

Eating nutritious foods can be fun and easy. The benefits will last a lifetime and your body will thank you for it.