Do the words like sibutramine, fenoproporex, furosemide, and phenetramine ring a bell in your ears? Well, if you are not familiar with these names, then be informed that these are weight loss pills. These are the chemicals found in these so called weight loss pills.
Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant which is approved and used in most weight loss pills while the other drugs are actually banned and not to be sold as weight loss pills. Most weight loss pills curb your appetite leading to weight loss. These appetite suppressants can be bought as OTC drugs or with a doctor’s prescription. Another chemical drug that’s approved for use in the U.S. and which inhibits the absorption of fat is Xenical. Xenical prevents the absorption of approximately 30% dietary fat and it is sold as an OTC drug named Alli. Xenical, though the only approved drug for use by obese people has not been certified for use for a period of more than two years. Research is still going on and better newer drugs that inhibit weight gain will surface in the future.
Weight Loss Pills and Obesity
Weight loss pills are prescribed to people who are obese and have to lose weight for medical reasons. We all know the repercussions of being overweight, and the ailments associated with it People who are obese are diabetic ,high blood pressure, more prone to heart ailments and heart attacks, suffer joint pains and other diseases. Doctors prescribe weight loss pills only to patients who find it difficult to exercise and curb their hunger pangs. Weight loss pills are being misused today by many young people who want to lose weight quickly and find exercising and eating a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables very cumbersome.
These are people who are impatient and look for short cut methods to look good and would do anything to achieve their desired weight. What we forget that obesity is a problem that requires long term treatment and its essential weight loss remains sustained. Prescription weight loss pills along with exercises and lifestyle changes will be beneficial.
Who Requires Weight Loss Pills
Anyone with a BMI or Body Mass Index that reads 30 or above but has no obesity related symptoms are eligible to take these prescription drugs. People with a BMI of 27 and above but who suffer from obesity related conditions like diabetes, hypertension and heart ailments should take these drugs under the supervision of a doctor.
What You Need to Know About Weight Loss Pills
Drugstores, health food stores and supermarkets have numerous weight loss drugs on their shelves and you can even buy some through the internet. None of these drugs have been proved to provide the desired results; on the other hand many people have suffered serious dangers to their health. Weight loss pills are sold under the term dietary supplements and these don't come under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration or FDA.
For example, Ephedra, a drug, helps decrease appetite and is termed to be quite effective for weight loss but has been banned by FDA as it is unsafe. Many of these herbal weight loss supplements have not been proved to be safe and effective.
Weight loss pills need to be taken with caution as many of them are diuretic and can cause loss of water in the body and this could lead to serious complications. Many of these so called appetite suppressants have lots of side effects like heart rate increase, sweating, increase in blood pressure, constipation, loss of sleep or insomnia, drowsiness, excessive thirst, headaches, stuffed noses, dry mouth and anxiety.
If you do plan on taking weight loss pills to shed your extra flab quickly, then it’s advisable that you take your doctor into confidence and take his/her advice. Your doctor is the perfect person to advice you on what is good and what is bad regarding weight loss and weight loss supplements. They are aware of your healthy history and will advice you which medication would be safe to take and would indeed be effective. If you are on other prescription drugs for other ailments, your doctor will know which of these drugs will interact with the medications that you are already consuming.
Always keep in mind that there is no quick fix job to lose weight overnight or within a week. You need to work consistently by changing your lifestyle and eating habits. Include lots of exercises in your daily routine, eat good healthy food and you will end up losing weight gradually in a more sustained manner.
Prescription weight loss pills simply don’t work!
