Today we’ll be having a guest post on what you need to know about weight loss drugs. Several important questions were discussed and elaborated by Mayssa Rishani, licensed dietitian from Eat Well, Live Well, Nutrition & Dietetics Clinic.
The best way to lose weight is definitely through exercising regularly and following a healthy diet. Yet for those who struggle with their weight and have certain medical conditions, weight loss drugs can be helpful.
Who can take weight loss drugs?
Weight loss drugs aren’t suitable for everyone who’s overweight. They are intended as an option for people who fit into the following category:
•Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30.
•Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 27 with obesity related medical problems (Ex: Diabetes, Hypertension…)
Weight loss drugs should be used in combination with a low calorie diet and regular exercise.
*BMI can be calculated by dividing your weight (kg) over your height (m) over your height (m).
What are the different types of weight loss drugs?
FDA approved weight loss drugs can be divided into two main groups: Appetite Suppressants and Fat Absorption Inhibitors.
Appetite Suppressants include Phentermine (Adipex-P, Suprenza), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan) and Benzphetamine (Didrex).They are indicated for short-term use, meaning a few weeks or months. Appetite suppressants promote weight loss by decreasing appetite or increasing the feeling of being full.
Most common side effects include; increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, nervousness, headache, constipation, dry mouth and dizziness.
As for Fat absorption inhibitors, they have the generic name Orlistat and are available in the market as Xenical or Alli. Alli is a reduced strength version of Xenical and is sold over the counter. Orlistat is the only weight loss drug approved for long term use. Orlistat blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body and eliminating it in your stools.
Thus decreasing your caloric intake and causing weight loss. Orlistat should be taken with a low fat, low calorie diet. Also, a multivitamin should be taken with it because it decreases the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Most common side effects include; intestinal cramps, gas, oily spotting, fatty stools, diarrhea, weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, more frequent bowel movements and difficulty to control bowel movements.
Currently, the FDA is reviewing Orlistat because of reports of liver injury. Till now, no specific link is established between the two. A possible explanation for this effect on the liver can be the excess weight of people using it.
Also, I would like to highlight that a previously FDA approved drug Sibutramine (Meridia, Reductil) was recently removed from the market in many countries because it was associated with an increased risk for serious heart events (Stroke and Non Fatal Heart Attacks).
How much weight should I expect to lose?
These drugs along with a low calorie diet and regular exercise give a 5 to 10% weight loss of total body weight within a year. Most of the weight loss happens in the first 6 months. Yet, after stopping these medications most people regain the weight.
Before taking any weight loss medication, make sure to consult with your medical doctor as he will consider your health history, possible side effects and potential interaction with other medications you are taking to give you the prescription suitable for you.
References
WebMD
MayoClinic
www.fda.gov
www.drugs.com
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Unlike other sorts of diet pills and weight loss medications, the actual ephedrine ephedra is certainly grouped as thermogenic fat burners.
Water is void of calories which means that by switching to water rather than calorific beverages, you shall be decreasing your daily calorie intake.