10 Worst Ways to Lose Weight

There seems to be alot of pressure to be thin, mostly directed towards women and teen girls. For some reason a person's size is associated with being beautiful. This thinking is very superficial. A person should be known for their accomplishments in life, not their outer appearance. Still, many seem to believe there is a quick-fix for weight-loss. Here are a few of the outlandish ideas that have been used to drop a few pounds for the sake of vanity.

1. Over-the-counter diet pills-Many companies claim you can lose weight just by taking this miracle pill while continuing with your normal lifestyle of over-eating and not getting enough exercise. If these pills actually worked, do you think there would still be so many overweight people in the world.

2. Laxatives-Sure you can lose weight taking laxatives but that is because your body is unable to absorb any nutrients due to food passing through your system so quickly. (Regular usage of a laxative can also result in dependancy on them in order to even have a bowel movement.)

3. Water Pills-You may notice dropping a few pounds but it won't be fat, it's just fluid. Your body needs these fluids to function properly and you could become dehydrated if used too often.

4. The "Iced Tea Diet"-A friend of mine tried this one, you don't eat anything and only drink iced tea without any sugar. She worked for a transportation system and ended up passing out while driving a bus full of disabled adults home. Luckily no one was hurt. Your body needs some form of nutrition or it will not function.

5. Epsom salt-You mix a tablespoon into a glass of warm water and you get a laxative effect. Very bad idea. It works the same as a laxative and has added drawbacks because it is salt and you will become dehydrated very easily.

6. Prescription diet pills-If you read about the possible side effects it will tell you that they may cause diarrhea and the inability to control your bowels. You may lose a few pounds, but it is really worth it if you end up messing yourself in public? Not to mention the toll it will take on your liver.

7. Tapeworm-First off, this one is just disgusting. Imagine that creepy little thing wiggling around in your intestines! Second, it is very dangerous. A tapeworm secretes proteins into your digestive tract making digestion less efficient so you are able to consume calories that pass right on through your system. Once you have a tapeworm inside you it will continue to grow by eating the food you ingest and the only way to get rid of it is to get an antibiotic from the doctor.

8. The "Cabbage Soup Diet"-With this diet you eat nothing but cabbage soup. Sure there are other vegetables involved and a little brown rice for some protein, but not nearly enough to sustain the human body for any period of time. Eating excessive amounts of vegetables has a laxative effect due to the high water content. Not to mention the horrible gas you will have.

9. Gastric Bypass Surgery-This surgery re-routes your stomach and intestine so your body doesn't absorb as much of the fat you eat. Of course you will also be lacking in essential nutrients and vitamins. This procedure is irreversible but you can continuously overeat and stretch your stomach pouch, resulting in weight gain.

10. The "Hollywood Juice Diet"-You can purchase this "special" juice drink at most mass retailer for a ridiculous price but it is not what they claim. Drinking nothing but fruit juice is basically like the cabbage soup diet, except with fruit. You will spend alot of time in the restroom.