Quang gained 21 kg over two years. He purchased two boxes of weight loss pills online for 860,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND). After one month of consistent use, Quang lost 3 kg but frequently experienced bloating, loss of appetite, thirst, and fatigue.

Recently, Quang developed chest tightness, dizziness, and shortness of breath, easily feeling faint during strenuous activity. Tests at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), revealed severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, severe hypokalemia, and a rapid heart rate of 145 beats per minute (normal is 60-100 beats per minute), indicating arrhythmia.

Quang received intravenous fluids and medication to stabilize his vital signs. Following this, doctors provided counseling on weight loss and treatment for metabolic disorders. Doctor Lam Van Hoang, Head of Endocrinology - Diabetes, stated that the side effects from the unverified weight loss pills caused Quang's severe dehydration.

Doctor Hoang advises Quang on treatment. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Many unverified weight loss pills often contain stimulants that accelerate heart rate to burn energy. When the concentration of these hormones becomes excessively high, the heart beats faster than normal, leading to increased blood pressure and constricted blood vessels. Users may then experience palpitations, shortness of breath, and hand tremors.

According to Doctor Hoang, prolonged use of such medication without a doctor's prescription forces the heart to work continuously under overload, posing a potential risk for heart arrhythmia. Unverified weight loss pills can also cause nutrient deficiencies and increase the risk of dangerous chronic diseases such as memory impairment, heart failure, and cardiac arrest.

Quang was prescribed appetite suppressants and a modified diet, prioritizing foods rich in whole grains, lean meat, low-fat milk, fruits, and vegetables. He was advised to limit salt, sugar, alcohol, saturated fats, and trans fats. Additionally, he committed to at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

By adhering strictly to the doctor's regimen, Quang lost 14 kg after three months. He no longer experiences dizziness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or the rapid heart rate and chest tightness he previously suffered.

Duc Hanh

*Patient's name has been changed