Dangers of Using Diuretics for Weight Loss

Diuretics, also referred to as water pills, are used to drain fluids from the body through urine. The less fluid in your body, the less you weigh.


Diuretics are medicines that aid the elimination of sodium (salt) and water from the body. These increase the excretion of sodium from the kidneys through urine; when the kidneys excrete sodium, the water from the body is also excreted. As a result, the amount of fluid flowing through the blood vessels decrease, which in turn reduces the pressure on the walls of the arteries.

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Those eyeing significant weight loss in a short period of time, may turn to diuretics. Water pills do not reduce a person's body fat but only the amount of fluid their body is retaining. Not one of the healthiest ways to slim down, the pills may seem to work at first but the weight loss will  be regained  as the lost weight  is only water.

The dangers of using diuretics for weight loss include:

• frequent urination,
• electrolyte abnormalities (imbalance in the level of (electrolytes) such as chloride, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphate and bicarbonate in the blood stream),
• muscle cramps or weakness,
• dizziness or lightheadedness,
• blurred vision, confusion and restlessness,
• headache,
• increased perspiration (sweating),
• arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm),
• excessive dryness of the mouth or extreme,
• decrease in urine output or dark-colored urine,
• constipation,
• sore throat and
• cough.

Deuretics may prove  to be potentially dangerous to individuals desiring to shed a few kilos . As soon as you drink or eat something, the body will begin replacing the lost fluids and you begin to regain the  weight.

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The Bottom Line

The use of diuretics may seem to aid the weight loss process, but these can hinder your health owing to the risks of dehydration, fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness or cramping and an irregular heartbeat.

The  resuts of excess water loss from the system  not just  includes instant weight loss, but many unfavorable side-effects. For example, lack of water in the system may have an impact on kidney functions. Owing to dehydration, the liver will step in and aid the kidneys in their functioning . During  the process, the primary function of the liver, which is to metabolize fats, may suffer.

If your objective is to lose weight for the long term, diuretics can’t be considered as the best option. The use of water pills is appropriate for quick bloating relief and to shed a kilo quickly. Use a combination of exercise and calorie restriction to meet your weight loss goals. Persistence is the key, as you can't expect to lose weight in a day or two.

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