The University of Minnesota conducted a study that revealed increased uses of diet pills among teenage girls. The number of high-school aged girls using pills for weight control or loss has nearly doubled in the last five years, to 14 percent.

"Dr. [Martin] Harrington says over-the-counter diet pills are designed for adults and can often be harmful to a teenage body."

It has been Dr. Harrington's experience that a teenager who's taking diet pills is often doing other thing to control or loose weight. Some of these things could be unhealthy. Teenagers may try to hide their use of diet pills; so try to keep an eye on your child's spending. Diet pills are expensive, and if your teen has nothing to show for unusually high spending habits, start asking questions. Learn more online.