According to MedicineNet.com, a diuretic -- also known as a water pill -- is any substance that maximizes kidney activity and results in increased urination. Diuretics are used help treat medical conditions such as high blood pressure, edema and kidney disease, but they are also often utilized to lose weight.
Function
Diuretics function by enhancing or inhibiting the kidneys' ability to absorb sodium and potassium, says MedicineNet.com. Both of these methods result in an increased amount of water passing through the body and subsequently a loss of water weight.
Types
Everydiet.org reports that in addition to over-the-counter diuretics, which are available as pills and teas, many foods and herbs also exhibit diuretic properties. Natural diuretics include caffeine, cranberry juice, apple cider vinegar, melon, celery seed and watercress.
Considerations
Water pills have not been proven to reduce body fat, reports iFitandHealthy.com. Any perceived weight loss will be negated within a few days of discontinuing use of water pills as fluid levels within the body return to normal.
Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic cautions that diuretics can cause side effects in some people including increased blood sugar, increased cholesterol, rash, joint disorders, impotence and menstrual irregularities.
Warning
iFitandHealthy.com warns that long-term use of diuretics can weaken glucose tolerance, increasing the chance of developing diabetes. In addition, because the body requires fluids to burn fat, using diuretics may actually hinder weight loss.
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