So what's with these carbohydrate absorption blocking pills?

[TrogL]

Atkins isn't working for Ank (what part of "you can't cheat and expect it to work" don't you understand?) so now he's thinking about getting some sort of pill. I saw them in the drugstore the other day and they look like some sort of herbal quack stuff.

[radwriter0555]

1. I've heard of explosive issues with those absorber pills...

as in, have to run to the toilet in high distress issues.

Not good news.

Stick to the plan. And instead of running to the toilet, get up and MOVE around and get that metabolism into high gear.

[LeftCoast]

2. I'm not sure about the over-the-counter versions, but

I was prescribed some carb-blocking drugs several years ago (WAY before being anti-carb was cool). I have a blood sugar problem and we were hoping that these drugs would help. Well, the side-effects were so bad that I didn't care if it helped my blood sugar.

If these o-t-c carb blockers really work then they probably block absorption of carbs by your stomach. Think about that for a sec. What do things in your stomach do if they don't get absorbed (but should)? They sit there and churn and produce gas, and churn, and produce gas and churn. Eventually your stomach gets tired of trying to digest it and well, that isn't a pleasant experience either...

In all honesty, if you're really trying to lose weight stay away from Atkins and just cut portions and walk. It's not easy or quick, but it works.

Good luck w/ the diet.

[PVnRT]

3. Not a good idea

For one, I have heard in plenty of places that they do not keep any weight off after you stop using them. Also,m the premise by which they work just seems completely unnatural - that can never be good.

Of course, they also aren't regulated, and that's enough for me to discount them.

[Bertha Venation]

4. They're a crock.

Sorry, TrogL. I don't put any stock in anything that doesn't sound feasible. Eat more veggies, more protien, and fewer carbs, and exercise. AFAIC that's the way to do it.