The pandemic plunged the majority of the population into a sedentary lifestyle,\u00a0 with many now carrying extra weight.<\/p>\n
New marketing regimes have become commonplace on social media and are now targeting this vulnerable cohort desperate to shift the pounds.<\/p>\n
Khloe Kardashian, Katie Price and Vikki Patterson have all promoted meal replacers and diet pills to their millions of fans on Instagram.<\/p>\n
However, medics are slating these quick-fix weight loss techniques as having a serious impact on the dieter\u2019s health, particularly young teens.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the teenage population, they are setting down their bone density and muscle mass for the rest of their lives,\u201d said Laurann O\u2019Reilly, who holds a Masters Public Health Nutrition from UCD.<\/p>\n
Laurann is a tireless campaigner against restrictive fad dieting, stating their short-term benefits can have long-term consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cBone density is set in teenage years. It\u2019s so important to get it right as it can catch up with you down the line.\u201d<\/p>\n
Most diet pills block fat enzymes, however, these fats are essential in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.<\/p>\n
The subsequent deficiencies can cause long-term damage to the dieter\u2019s bone density, muscle mass, and nervous system.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are having a diet shake you may not get your B vitamins which are important for your nervous system and controlling anxiety, particularly important for students sitting exams,\u201d warned Laurann.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just young teens that are turning to these promoted pills that are often unregulated in the market.<\/p>\n
The one-size-fits-all approach to dieting is ill-advised for anyone suffering from thyroid issues, participating in cancer treatments or taking HRT.<\/p>\n
The unregulated nature of the diet pill and meal replacer market means some takers endure severe, life-threatening side effects.<\/p>\n
Tremors, heart palpitations, and digestive problems are just some of the reported reactions as many supplements are filled with caffeine and harmful enzymes.<\/p>\n
Meal replacers are listed as a food product which means they are not held to the same high standard as pharmaceutical drugs.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone can go out and make a nutritional supplement. While there are certain standards you will need to meet, it isn\u2019t as high,\u201d said Laurann, who worked in food quality control for years before establishing her practice.<\/p>\n
For anyone looking to shift the unwanted lockdown pounds, the best route is through exercise and a healthy diet.<\/p>\n
By reducing portion sizes, sugar intake and opting against processed foods, weight can be lost in a much more sustainable way.<\/p>\n
Laurann warns that young people should not to be tempted to fall into the trap of taking any weight loss product, such as the diet pills frequently promoted on Instagram.<\/p>\n
\u201cWeight can be lost, it\u2019s not the end of the world,\u201d assured Laurann. \u201c You do not have to go down that avenue and there is no such thing as a quick fix.\u201d<\/p>\n