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Every now and again, you may run across a person with a knockout
figure who claims to eat whatever he or she wants. Some people
are blessed with a high metabolism or an apathetic interest
in food, that keeps them slim and trim throughout their lives.
But these people are few and far between. For the rest of
us, there has usually been at least one occasion in our lives
when we have had to consider making major life changes to
lose weight.
Diet and exercise is usually the weight loss path of choice
recommended by most physicians and health care authorities.
But what if diet and exercise aren't enough? For some people,
weight loss is extremely difficult. There are a number of
FDA approved prescription weight loss drugs that can be harmful.
How Do Weight Loss Drugs Work?
Most weight loss drugs work by suppressing the appetite (not
good). One exception to this the weight loss medication Xenical
(orlistat.) Xenical is a newer medication approved by the
FDA in 1999. It works by inhibiting the enzyme lipase. Lipase
breaks down dietary fat for use in the body. When the function
of lipase is interfered with, it decreased dietary fat absorption
by thirty percent. Because the undigested fats are not absorbed,
fewer calories enter the bloodstream, and the dieter may begin
to lose weight. The problem with this is you are shutting
down one of the bodies most important functions –To produce
enzymes. We do not recommend this product for weight loss.
We suggest a natural substitute such as Slimirex™ found at
www.slimirex.com.
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants are used for the short-term treatment
of obesity. Their appetite suppressing effects usually diminish
after a few weeks, so they are not designed for long-term
use. But they are really not a good way to jump start weight
loss. The dieter should develop a new exercise and dietary
regime. Long-term results are dependent upon changes in eating
habits and activity levels. Appetite suppressants include
sibutramine (Merida,) diethylpropion (Tenuate), and Phentermine
(Adipex-P). Common side effects of appetite suppressants include
dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, depression,
and increased blood pressure. They are also linked to the
development of heart and lung problems. Check with your doctor
immediately if you experience chest pain, fast or irregular
heart beat, blurred vision, heart palpitations, or difficulty
breathing.
Merida (Sibutramine): Merida was approved by the FDA in 1997.
It works by increasing certain chemicals in the brain that
help to reduce appetite. One possible side effect of the weight
loss drug, is that is may increase blood pressure and heart
rate. Therefore, it should not be taken by people who have
uncontrolled high blood, or a history of heart disease, congestive
heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or stroke. Other side
effects of this medication include headache, constipation,
dry mouth, and insomnia.
Adipex-P (Phentermine): Other trade names for this medication
include Anoxine-AM, Fastin, Ionamin,
Obephen, Obermine, Obestin-30, and Phentrol. Phentermine is
a weight loss drug that is used in combination with diet and
exercise to reduce the appetite and assist in weight loss.
Common side effects of this medication include dry mouth,
unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
These side effects may be lessened by taking phentermine with
food. Call you doctor immediately if you experience increased
blood pressure, heart palpitations, dizziness, or restlessness.
Tenuate (Diethylpropion): Also referred to by the trade name
Tenuate Dospan, this medication should not be used for weight
loss. This medication may become habit forming. Side effects
include dry mouth, depression, tremors, anxiety, upset stomach,
vomiting, and increased urination. Call you doctor immediately
if you experience cardiovascular changes, blurred vision,
skin rashes, or a fever.
Lipase Inhibitors
As mentioned above, orlistat (Xenical) works by decreasing
fat absorption within the body. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor
that works in your intestines to block ingested fat from being
absorbed in the system. Orlistat is used in obese or overweight
patients. Consuming too many fats at one sitting could result
in an increase in side effects. Common side effects of this
weight loss drug include changes in bowel movements, gas,
abdominal bloating, stomach pain, and irregular menstrual
periods. Call your health care professional immediately if
you experience itching, swelling, chest pain, skin rashes,
difficulty breathing, or a fever.
Taking the product Slimirex™ can also help you manage your
weight.
For more information on weight loss go to http://www.weightlossobesity.com.
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