Every dieter has tried weight loss drugs at one time or the other. But they aren’t the obvious choice for everyone who has the dream of losing weight. In fact, doctors only recommend using weight loss drugs when you have weight-related health problems.
The best way to lose some extra pounds is to go natural with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Weight loss drugs can only help you if you have any medical problems associated with the excessive weight you bear.
Do you need prescription drugs?
For people who are just looking for general weight loss formulas don’t need prescription drugs. These are meant for people who cannot attain or sustain a healthy weight through a good diet and exercise regime and hence, suffer from medical problems. You may fall in this category when:
• Natural ways of losing weight do not work for you.
• You have medical problems like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 27.
Popular weight-loss prescription drugs
Long term weight loss can be achieved with the help of two prescription drugs, Sibutramine and Orlistat, both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Common side effects of these drugs include high blood pressure, headache, constipation, insomnia, boating and abdominal pain.
How effective are weight loss drugs?
Weight loss pills will not show any good results. It is important to combine them with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise to lose about 5-10% of your total body weight within a year. Otherwise, you can only enjoy reduced weight for a short time. It is safer to lose weight at a slow and steady pace while benefiting from reduced blood pressure, blood triglyceride levels, blood glucose levels and insulin levels.
The most common dilemma faced by people is whether to take weight loss drugs indefinitely or for a limited period of time. Sibutramine is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke history as it can cause a slight increase in blood pressure. Orlistat can lead to reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E. using this drug requires you to take a daily vitamin supplement along with the prescription drug to avoid any nutrient deficiencies.
Points to ponder
Before you buy a particular drug, weigh the pros and cons of taking it with your doctor. The potential benefits should not be outweighed by the possible long-term risks. You must keep your health history in mind while considering the side effects and the potential interaction of weight loss drugs with other medicines you may be taking.
Consistency in exercise is very important for achieving and maintaining the right weight. While weight loss drugs can help in accelerating the pace at which you lose weight, regular exercise is a must to sustain good health. Remember that keeping off the pounds you have lost is an ongoing process.
Conclusion
Along with prescribed weight loss drugs, you must combine healthy eating habits, lifestyle changes and intensive exercise to contribute towards your weight loss. Instead of looking for an easy and quick answer to your weight problems, you must opt for a useful tool that will assist you in losing weight without any harmful effects.
