Are Weight Loss Drugs For You?
Obesity is fast becoming the number one health problem in developed and developing countries around the world; this situation is now affecting children of pre-school age and is a worrying aspect. In order to lose those excess pounds, many people resort to surgery whereas other people realize that a healthy diet with regular exercise is a better method. Impatience to see results usually means that overweight people can frequently resort to using weight loss drugs to achieve that fast result they crave.
These drugs work in a variety of ways but mainly they try to fool the brain into thinking the stomach is full and increase the person’s metabolism. The problem arose when it was found that one of the side effects from this type of drug was the increased risk of heart valve disease and of course the drug was quickly withdrawn from use. More recently, new drugs have been developed and prescribed by doctors; many of which are still waiting for FDA approval.
The use of drugs that help weight reduction has become so commonplace that it is almost certain that you know of someone who has tried them. To many it is a wonder drug and let’s be honest, if you could lose weight that easily without having to sacrifice anything in the process, you would take them as well. As a result of this, consumers everywhere have spent untold millions on these supposed wonderful weight loss drugs.
Even with all the testing and new techniques available for manufacturers, many side effects like nausea and diarrhea still exist with the new generation of weight control pills which, incidentally, can still be purchased over the counter. Other harmful side effects include tightness in the chest, urinary tract problems and stroke. An overdose of the diet pills can cause tremors, confusion, hallucinations, shallow breathing, renal failure even heart attack and convulsions.
The side effects will depend on the person taking the medicine and can be related to their lifestyle; a consultation with the doctor first, rather than buying them over the counter, can help to reduce side effects; stopping using the drugs completely may not eradicate all the problems they may have caused. Problems like depression, nausea, bad mood swings, nightmares, insomnia for example have all been reported when a person has stopped taking the weight control pills.
Despite all the bad publicity, weight loss drugs do work but they are more successful if they are used in conjunction with a low calorie diet and regular exercise, preferably using a properly worked out exercise regime. A low calorie diet would consist of meals that contain vitamins, minerals and fiber which are all essential for good health; the best sources are fruit and vegetables.
As far as the exercise is concerned, this needs to be worked out in advance after a physical examination by your doctor. A good exercise plan with the use of weights will help improve the body’s ability to burn off the calories and maintain a healthy heart.