$Unique_ID{BRK00623}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Using a "Diuretic" for Weight Control Dangerous?}
$Subject{diet weight water pill pills diuretic diuretics drug drugs kidney
kidneys Genitourinary reduce blood volume light headedness dizziness faints
falling potassium weak feeling dizzy}
$Volume{R-16}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Using a "Diuretic" for Weight Control Dangerous?


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QUESTION:  With a slim line being the "in thing" these days, I received a tip
from my always slim friend.  She tells me that a "diuretic" is her secret for
success.  Isn't this dangerous?  How do diuretics work?

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ANSWER:  Diuretics, often called water pills, are drugs that increase the
output of urine.  They most often work by causing the kidneys to put out more
water and minerals than they would by themselves.  Diuretics can be used
safely for patients under medical care for conditions that make their use
necessary, but they are sometimes abused by people like your friend who use
them for weight control.  Misuse of water pills can be very dangerous.  Since
diuretics reduce the amount of water in the body, there is sometimes a
corresponding reduction in the volume of blood.  This can cause light
headedness or dizziness and can increase the risk of faints and falling.
Diuretics can also cause an excessive loss of potassium in the urine.  Over
time, a significant lowering of the potassium levels in the tissues and blood
can cause a weak feeling, irregular heart action and disturbed sexual
function.
     Clearly, diuretics should not be used by people who don't have a medical
reason for using them.  Diuretics can, however, be very valuable for people
with conditions in which the body retains water or sodium.  People with
hypertension (high blood pressure) or heart and kidney disorders can use the
drugs safely when they are prescribed by a doctor.  I trust you were not
considering following your friend's bad example?

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.