I’m addicted to slimming pills because I desperately want to be thin

DEAR DEIDRE: ALL the talk right now is about weight-loss injections but I’m addicted to slimming pills, even though I know they aren’t the healthiest.

I am a 22-year-old single woman. I have always been on the large side, but after discovering weight-loss pills, the fat started to fall off.

My life is transformed but I’m scared the fat will return if I stop taking the pills. It’s a vicious circle.

After I broke up with my boyfriend I stopped eating junk food and binge drinking.

I was amazed to lose three stone quite quickly.

After a while the weight loss stopped but because I hadn’t reached my target weight, I panicked and started taking pills.

I have also heard that taking laxatives can help with weight loss so I am looking into them too.

I can lose up to two pounds a day. I desperately want to be thin.

DEIDRE SAYS: It is not healthy to rely on drugs to control your weight. Laxatives can aid weight loss but abuse can lead to health problems.

The bowel gets used to laxatives so you need to take more to see a result.

There are lots of healthy weight loss methods available, from diets to meal replacements and fasting plans, so talk to your GP about the most suitable.

Beat Youth Line helps under-25s who have disordered eating (beateatingdisorders.org.uk, 0808 801 0677). My support pack on Weight Worries will help.