Weight Loss Drugs

Obesity is fast becoming the number one health problem in developed and developing countries around the world; this problem is now affecting a large number of children of school entry age. For some, the decision is simple and they just write out a check for the surgery but others prefer the harder approach of actually getting fit and controlling their diet. Another group prefers the use of weight loss drugs to aid them in losing weight so that results can be seen more quickly.

The idea behind the drugs is to quicken each person’s metabolism enabling the weight to be lost much quicker. These drugs were quickly removed from circulation when tests revealed that one of the more dangerous side effects was an increased risk of heart valve disease. Not to be defeated though, manufacturers have introduced updated drugs, prescribed by doctors but the FDA approval process is slow.

The drugs work by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain, making it believe that the stomach is already full, thereby, increasing the person’s metabolic rate. It was only after scientists discovered that these drugs had side effects and were related to heart valve disease that they were taken off the shelves. Not to be defeated though, manufacturers have introduced updated drugs, prescribed by doctors but the FDA approval process is slow.

Practitioners may recommend weight loss drugs to different classes of people including:

1.    Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more,

2.    Overweight patients with a BMI of 27 or more who either lack “good” HDL cholesterol, have too much “bad” LDL cholesterol, are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, have a high blood pressure, or have sleep apnea

3.    People who have tried other weight loss methods, and failed

Types of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs:

- Most available weight-loss medications are “appetite suppressants” medications. These medications generally come in the form of tablets or extended-release capsules (pills that release medication over a long period of time).

- Another type of prescription weight loss drug is a fat absorption inhibitor. Xenical is the only example of this type of treatment approved for use in the U.S. Xenical works by blocking about 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Xenical is now sold over-the-counter as Alli

The Side Effects of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs:

Most appetite suppressants are used as a short-term treatment for people with obesity. Not only do the drugs’ effects tend to wear off after a few weeks, but they can also have some unpleasant side effects, including:

•    Increased heart rate

•    Increased blood pressure

•    Sweating

•    Constipation

•    Insomnia (inability to sleep or stay asleep)

•    Excessive thirst

•    Lightheadedness

•    Drowsiness

•    Stuffy nose

•    Headache

•    Anxiety

•    Dry mouth

These drugs are by prescription only for very good reasons. For instance, if your body is blocking fat absorption, it is probably also blocking the absorption of a variety of different vitamins and minerals that are critical to the proper functioning of your body. If you use prescription weight loss pills in ways your doctor did not advise — overdosing, for instance — you may become sick because you aren’t getting proper nutrition, and this can even cause you to put on more weight.

Weight loss supplements can be effective in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet. It’s just a matter of finding what works for your particular needs. Talk to your physician about conventional and alternative options for losing weight.

Read About Fast Weight Loss also Read about Weight Loss Diet and Weight Loss Drugs