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Death by Diet Pills (Literally) | The Great Fitness Experiment

Those of you who lived through the ephedra/ma huang recalls of the 90′s and all the resultant so-bad-you-can’t-stop-watching Lifetime movies will not be surprised to learn that the bane of Jessie Spano have struck again. A person – a woman, I’m assuming although the reports don’t say – died recently from using the popular diet pill Hydroxycut . The old formula made with with ephedra, naturally, was recalled years ago but this new death, along with at least 14 other reports of severe liver damage, is being attributed to the “new, safe” formula that line the shelves at every GNC. In addition to liver damage, a host of other ailments including “documented seizures, cardiovascular disorders and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to kidney failure” are being reported by the FDA.

If you don’t immediately recognize the name, anyone who has opened a ladymag in the past 10 years will recognize their advertisements. These two-page glossies usually feature Ashley/Cindy/Kelly/Generic Barbie in the classic 3/4 turn, spray tanned in a bikini and heels pose. Then in a smaller box you see whatshername looking dumpy and fat in the exact same bikini. “I lost 67 pounds FAST!*” The copy screams, with the asterisked text adding “She-Ra lost the weight over 52 months with Hydroxycut and a sensible diet and exercise program. Model was remunerated.” (In case you don’t have a dictionary handy, “remunerated” means they were ) And don’t forget the straight-from-general-casting Hottie in a Lab Coat vouching for it’s medical efficacy!

I hate these ads and yet I’m mesmerized by them. The first time through a mag, I read it for the articles but the second time – I’m all about the advertising and I admit, these hold my attention long enough to get hemerrhoids. What is so compelling about them? The lure of quick, easy weight loss. The obvious and marked change in the before-and-after shots. The (fake, probably) testimonials. The stupid doctor. And yet, it’s our modern day fairy tale. These Cinderellas went from rags to riches – beauty is the new money, honey – all with one little magic pill. That’s even easier than a glass slipper! Cheaper too.

I remember one day in GNC staring at the pretty displays of diet pills when a salesman sidled up to me, “Would you pay $80 a month to be thin the rest of your life?” Honestly? I absolutely would. In fact, most people would probably pay much more than that – it’s become that important to us. The trick, of course, is if they actually work.

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West's federal reporter, cases argued and determined in the United States courts of appeals and Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals

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