Is eating weight loss candies harmful to the body

Weight loss candies may pose potential hazards to the body, including illegal addition of drug ingredients, disruption of metabolic balance, gastrointestinal discomfort, malnutrition, and psychological dependence. Some products on the market may have illegally added prohibited ingredients such as sibutramine and phenolphthalein, and long-term use may cause irreversible health damage.

1. Illegal drug addition:

Some illegal weight loss candies may add ingredients such as sibutramine and phenolphthalein, which are prohibited by the country, in pursuit of quick results. These ingredients achieve weight loss by inhibiting the central nervous system or stimulating the intestines, but can cause serious side effects such as palpitations, elevated blood pressure, and intestinal dysfunction. In the typical cases reported by the State administration for Market Regulation in 2021, multiple popular weight loss candies were found to contain prohibited drugs.

2. Metabolic system disorders:

Some products contain diuretics or thyroid hormone analogues, which can achieve short-term weight loss through forced drainage or accelerated metabolism. This method may cause electrolyte imbalance and thyroid dysfunction, and long-term use may lead to a permanent decrease in basal metabolic rate, resulting in a more severe "yo yo effect" of rebound after discontinuation of medication.

3. Digestive system damage:

Some weight loss candies contain a large amount of dietary fiber or bloating agents, and excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea. The sugar alcohol substitutes added to certain products may cause dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, and clinical studies have shown that long-term high intake of erythritol and other substitutes may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Risk of Nutritional Imbalance:

Relying on weight loss candies instead of regular meals can lead to a lack of essential nutrients such as protein and vitamins. According to a study by the Japanese Nutrition Society, people who use meal replacement products for three consecutive months generally experience symptoms of iron and vitamin B12 deficiency, and some women may experience endocrine problems such as menstrual disorders.

5. Psychological dependence formation:

Weight control through candy may strengthen the psychological dependence on sweets, and some users may exhibit "compensatory overeating" behavior. Clinical data from the Department of Psychology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital shows that about 32% of people who use weight loss products tend to experience eating disorders.

It is recommended to adopt scientific weight loss methods, maintain a daily calorie gap of about 500 calories, and improve satiety by increasing dietary fiber and high-quality protein intake. Combining aerobic exercise with resistance training, engage in 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. For obese individuals with a body mass index exceeding 28, it is recommended to use officially approved medications such as orlistat under the guidance of a doctor, but in conjunction with dietary management and exercise plans. Any rapid weight loss product may have health risks, and establishing sustainable lifestyle habits is the core of weight management.