Danger of Diet Pills Research Essay Example

sufficient data are provided for readers to sidestep misunderstandings about diet pills. To provide an equitable viewpoint, Melamed also pinpoints the benefits of diet pills by citing factual data and statistics.

The hard evidence presented appeals to the rational thinking of her readers, persuading them that diet pills are secure: "Cantox Health Sciences International evaluated all existing scientific data, concentrating on 19 clinical studies, and concluded that ephedrine was both safe and beneficial for weight loss at a daily dosage of 90 mg"(Melamed). The author endeavors to appeal to the readers' rationality via numerical data, but these numbers by themselves cannot substantiate the logic unless they represent steady findings from ongoing scientific researches.

Melamed’s effective use of data and statistics endorsing the positive effects of diet pills, specifically ephedrine, allows her to persuade her audience with evidence-based facts. This logical approach redirects her audience's understanding about diet misconceptions and prompts them to further explore the advantages of diet pills before consumption. Numbers and facts significantly contribute to her argumentation. However, Melamed did not limit herself to these arguments alone. To enhance the article's credibility with her readers, she builds trust, further solidifying her case.

The article acknowledges the trustworthiness through scientific references to tackle the diet pills debate. The author employs ethos to illustrate that Mike Rothmiller is endorsed for backing the positive effects of diet pills, stating: “Mike Rothmiller, director of public relations at Metabolife, asserted that Metabolife, an over-the-counter diet pill containing ephedrine, is safe and effective when used as instructed” (Melamed). Mike's role at Metabolife adds legitimacy to the author's viewpoint as he has expertise in the pharmaceutical sector and is well-versed with the subject

matter.

The statement from Rothmiller offers a fairly dependable source of knowledge for the readers. However, it is the scientific research that provides the most credible evidence backing the beneficial aspects of diet pills. The author then employs ethos to share the viewpoint of the FDA regarding diet pills. Melamed refers to the Food and Drug Administration within the article to point out the disadvantages tied to diet pills: "According to the Food and Drug Administration, ephedrine can lead to numerous hazardous side effects"(Melamed). Ethos was employed to attribute authority to the Food and Drug Administration in order to highlight the negative aspects of diet pills for the readers.

In her article, Melamed introduces the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), understanding that it holds credibility with her readers due to its established reputation. As a government body overseeing pharmaceuticals, the FDA is deemed trustworthy by the readers. It is evident that the author recognizes this reliable resource when shedding light on diet pill risks. Melamed expertly educates her readers on the reasons to trust both the FDA and Mike Rothmiller, guiding them to make informed decisions concerning diet pills.

Indeed, persuasive arguments are built upon facts and insights from credible sources. However, the lack of an emotional connection can leave readers disengaged or disinterested. The author creatively stirs up these emotions by narrating deeply moving stories, thus exemplifying the advantages and disadvantages of diet pills. Through the heartbreaking story of Melamed, readers are cautioned about the negative implications of these pills. Barbara, the brave soul who established Halt Ephedrine Abuse Today, challenged a drug manufacturer following her son's death - a tragic consequence of ephedrine present in their

diet pills. Barbara compared the pill's control over her son's body to the destructive grip of cocaine.

The writer leverages emotive language to captivate the reader's attention in this heartrending tale, using phrases like "rewarding as cocaine". These words mirror the malevolence of drugs, showing that pills can be as damaging as cocaine (Melamed). Similarly, using highly emotional language like "frustrated by the losing battle", Melamed illustrates the distress and resentment that weight-loss pills can induce in one's life. This innovative approach of invoking pathos helps drive home the harmful effects of these pills. This tale resonates with readers as such consequences can befall anyone.

The readers are swayed by the idea that the tablets may not necessarily address the weight issue but could introduce further discomfort into someone’s life. The article skillfully moves from the drawbacks to the benefits; Melamed executes this to demonstrate to the readers that she remains impartial in this debate. The astonishing weight loss narrative referenced by Melamed in her piece accentuates the positive aspects of these pills. In this account, Laura, who is a plus-sized mother, appeared downcast after discovering she had put on an extra 100 pounds post-her new baby's birth.

In her urgency to shed pounds speedily, she resorted to pills. Within a few months, Laura restored her usual size and felt healthier than ever before. In this narrative, Melamed conjures pathos to captivate her readers. The writer further triggers emotional responses through provocative phrases such as "almost fainted" and "within a few months, she was back to side two", indicating that the effect of these "miracle" pills could be equated to being "Melamed". The author also employs sentimental narratives

and uplifting imagery to engage the audience and provide optimism for those endeavoring weight loss.

The dramatic language employed by the author serves as a powerful tool to highlight the positive aspects of this debate to the readers. The narrative not only resonates with Melamed's audience but also rouses reactions from them. Laura's story becomes a mirror that reflects the potential benefits of weight-loss pills to many readers, not just those who are pregnant. By wielding emotional appeals artistically, Melamed empowers the readers to form their own well-informed opinion about diet pills. So, did Melamed succeed in conveying her viewpoint using the aforementioned rhetorical techniques?

Robyn Melamed skillfully presents her argument regarding the contentious issue of diet pills, utilizing the rhetorical strategies of logos, ethos, and pathos. Logos is manifested as she educates the reader about diet pills in a lucid manner. She also leverages ethos by referring to several reputable sources from eminent scientific organizations. Pathos is deployed to evoke emotions in the readers through poignant narratives. The combined use of all three devices throughout her piece enhances its persuasive power and leaves a lasting impression on readers when contemplating diet pills usage.