Stop the Pill Popping

Nicknamed the“Quackbuster”, Exeter University’s straight talker Professor Ernst gives The Tab the inside scoop on diet pills.

What are the physical risks?

If pharmacologically active, they could have side-effects or interact with prescribed drugs. If not, pure placebos would do harm when taken to treat serious conditions (including to bank accounts). Supplements may be contaminated with toxic substances or powerful drugs.

Psychological?

People who want to lose weight are often very desperate. If they set their hopes on bogus slimming aids, they will get even more desperate and possibly depressed.

How does this problem affect students?

Students may take supplements for all sorts of reasons: to reduce weight, to enhance mental or physical performance, to get a “herbal high” etc.

What do you think of being nicknamed “quackbuster”?

I am certainly not a quackbuster who goes out of his way to disprove alternative medicine. I simply aim to apply science to this field. Whenever the results are negative and I say so, I get attacked by outraged enthusiasts of alternative medicine, snake oil salesmen and even Prince Charles.

Any key advice?

Stay clear of any site that aims at selling a product. I also urge everyone to remember the simple rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information, see Prof. Ernst’s blog.

So there you go, it may be a hard pill to swallow but if you want to lose weight do it safely,  rather than a quick fix.