Pills
to Reduce Weight
|
Information About Weight Loss and Diet PillsThe Need to Lose WeightIn the United States, 58 million adults are overweight; 40 million are obese (severely overweight) and 3 million suffer from life-threatening obesity (morbid obesity). Also, there has been a 76 percent increase in Type II diabetes in adults 30-40 yrs old since 1990. Since a weight gain of as little as 11-18 pounds increases a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight, the health risks of overweight are all too apparent. Weight Loss and Diet Pills May Help Reduce ObesityFaced with this epidemic of overweight, it's hardly surprising that doctors are increasingly turning to weight loss drugs and diet pills to help reduce obesity and improve associated health risks. Types of Weight Loss and Diet PillsThere are two types of weight loss pills:
Prescription Weight Loss and Diet Pills - Weight Loss DrugsMost brands of prescription diet pills, like Adipex, Bontril, Didrex, Ionamin, Phentermine and Tenuate work by reducing appetite. They stimulate the brain and nerves, which increases heart rate and blood pressure and typically decreases appetite. These weight loss diet pills are FDA-approved only for short-term use (typically from a few weeks to a few months). Only Meridia is FDA-approved for long-term use. Weight Loss Pills That Inhibit Fat UptakeXenical is a relatively new type of prescription weight loss drug. Called a 'lipase inhibitor' (lipase means fat), Xenical works in the gut and stops up to 30 percent of fat (and therefore fat-calories) from being digested. Xenical is combined with a low-fat diet. Although bowel movements are affected, Xenical does not affect the nervous system, blood pressure or metabolism and thus is considered ideal for patients with hypertension or heart risks. How Effective Are Prescription Weight Loss and Diet Pills?Prescription weight loss drugs are effective when combined with diet and exercise, as part of a medically supervised weight loss program. Studies vary, but an extra 10-15 percent loss of body weight (vs. placebo) is not uncommon over time. Do Prescription Weight Loss and Diet Pills Have Side Effects?Yes, but it's important to balance the health and side effects of weight loss pills with the risks of obesity. Remember, prescription diet pills are designed for patients who already have significant health risks. Side effects of prescription pills that decrease appetite include things like: restlessness or tremor, nervousness or anxiety, headache or dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation, or impotence. Exceptionally, there may be a risk of more serious side effects, (seizures, strokes) but these are rare events. Because prescription weight loss pills are stringently monitored by both manufacturers and the FDA, side effects are well sign-posted. Consult Your Doctor Before Using Prescription Weight Loss PillsWhatever brand of prescription weight loss pills you use, you MUST consult your doctor. Ask for a full explanation of your weight control options (with or without pills) as well as the side effects and dangers of weight loss pills. Only you and your physician can make an informed choice as to whether weight loss medication can be a useful part of your weight-management program. For information about non-prescription weight loss and diet pills, please click: Dietary and Weight Loss Supplements Information About Obesity Drugs and Weight Loss Supplements |
Prescription |
Reviews of Obesity Medications and Diet SupplementsThis web site provides only general advice on popular weight loss pills and dietary supplements. Under no circumstances should this information be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Before taking any diet or weight loss pills, we recommend that you seek advice from your doctor. Only your doctor can safely advise you about which drugs or supplements are best for you.© 2006. Diet-Pills-Information. All rights reserved. |