There are two caveats that apply when one starts talking about the search for the perfect diet pill. One is, all that glitters is not gold. The other is caveat emptor; Latin for "let the buyer beware."

The diet industry reached the billionth dollar mark for a reason. They know that most people are desperate to shed pounds, but lack both time and energy to do so. Feeding off of this, they offer quick fixes like diet pills, which are no better than a snake oil.

Sure, some diet pills do what they claim - you can lose weight rather quickly - but at what cost? People who are overweight already have a host of health problems that can include high blood pressure, diabetes or poor cardiovascular fitness. Diet pills more often than not will exacerbate these conditions, since most over the counter drugs are either appetite suppressants and/or metabolism "boosters".

These diet pills can contain harmful stimulants or suppressants that bulk up in the intestines to decrease hunger (but cause dehydration, constipation and worse). While suppressants can have harmful effects, the worse end occurs with stimulants touted as metabolism boosters. These stimulants can cause long term damage to the body, including making the thyroid dysfunctional, since the thyroid routinely regulates the metabolism.

Other issues associated with stimulant based diet pills include: Increased urination, heart palpitations, intense allergic reactions, muscle cramps, and feeling "out of touch". Some also report difficulty sleeping, and dramatic loss in appetite.

Even prescription diet pills can cause these issues.

Independent studies and medical reviews suggest that supposedly safe diet pills are the ones that don't provide temporary results. However, as many physicians have pointed out, if there was one safe diet pill out there that could aid weight loss without bad side effects, no one would be over weight.

Instead of looking for a magical cure for weight loss, people should simply bite the bullet and adopt a lifestyle conducive to real weight loss - diet and exercise. While this may require more effort, it will be well worth it, especially since people who change their eating habits and indulge at least 30 minutes of exercise daily tend to keep the weight of for good.

Safe diet pills don't exist! It is far better to take the old fashioned approach. In the end you may wind up with more energy, a slimmer body, and a greater outlook on life.