Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Drugs Tips For Weight Loss

Hello friends till now we have discussed a lot about weight loss including exercises and diet also, Now it is the time to discussed about the drugs helping weight loss.
Well do you know weight loss medication when combined with regular exercise and a reduced calorie diet can help with weight loss. Different medications affect the body differently. Some reduce the appetite making a person feel full, while others speed up the metabolism and burn fat, or even all three combined. Before taking medicines for weight lose you must consider about these things
Do I Need a Prescription Weight Loss Drug?
Using prescription weight loss drugs to treat obesity should be used as an option for the following individuals:

People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above with no obesity-related conditions.

A person with a BMI of 27 and above with obesity-related conditions.

Types of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs
At present, most available weight loss medications approved by the FDA are for short-term use, meaning a few weeks or months.
Most available weight-loss medications are "appetite suppressants" medications. These medications generally come in the form of tablets or extended-release capsules (pills that release medication over a long period of time). Appetite suppressants can be obtained by a doctor's prescription or purchased over the counter. One common appetite suppressant is Meridia.
Another type of prescription weight loss drug is a fat absorption inhibitor. Xenical is the only example of this type of treatment approved for use in the U.S. Xenical works by blocking about 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Xenical is now sold over-the-counter as Alli.
Newer drugs are being studied as potential treatments for obesity, some of which are showing promise and may be available in the near future.

How Do Appetite Suppressants Cause Weight Loss?
Appetite suppressants promote weight loss by tricking the body into believing that it is not hungry or that it is full. They decrease appetite by increasing serotonin or catecholamine -- two brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite.

How Do Fat Absorption Inhibitors Cause Weight Loss?
Fat absorption inhibitors work by preventing your body from breaking down and absorbing fat eaten with your meals. This unabsorbed fat is eliminated in bowel movements.

Do Prescription Weight Loss Drugs Really Work?
In general, Xenical and Meridia are moderately effective, leading to an average weight loss of 5 to 22 pounds over a 1-year period, more than what would be expected with non-drug treatments. However, the response to these medications is based on each individual, and some people experience more weight loss than others. Likewise, there is no one correct dose for these medications. Your doctor will decide what works best for you based on his or her evaluation of your medical condition and your response to treatment. Patients generally experience a maximum weight loss within six months of starting medication treatment.

The Risks of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs
When considering long-term weight loss drugs for obesity, the following possible concerns and risks should be discussed with your doctor:

1. Addiction. Currently, all prescription medications to treat obesity except Xenical are "controlled substances." This means that doctors are required to follow certain restrictions when prescribing them since they could be addictive.
2. Developed tolerance. Most people's weight tends to level off after 6 months while taking a weight-loss medication. This leads to a concern that the person has developed a tolerance for the medication. However, it is unclear whether this leveling off is indeed due to a developed tolerance or if the medication has reached its limit in effectiveness.
3. Side effects. Most side effects of weight loss medications are mild (although some can be unpleasant) and usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Rarely, serious and even fatal outcomes have been reported.

The Side Effects of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs
Most appetite suppressants are used as a short-term treatment for people with obesity. Not only do the drugs' effects tend to wear off after a few weeks, but they can also have some unpleasant side effects, including:
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Insomnia (inability to sleep or stay asleep)
• Excessive thirst
• Lightheadedness

Some side effects with Xenical include abdominal cramping, passing gas, leakage of oily stool, increased number of bowel movements, and the inability to control bowel movements. These side effects are generally mild and temporary, but may be worsened by eating foods that are high in fat.
People with poorly controlled high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or a history of stroke should not take Meridia. All people taking Meridia should have their blood pressure and heart rate monitored on a regular basis.

Discussing Prescription Weight Loss Drugs With Your Doctor
Before a doctor will prescribe a prescription weight loss drug, he or she will ask you about the following: any existing allergies you may have, whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and what types of other medications you may be taking. Existing medical conditions may also affect the use of these drugs.
Taking these weight loss drugs too often or in too large a quantity, or for longer than prescribed, can lead to addiction or, in worst-case situations, an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose can include confusion, convulsions, hallucinations, and coma. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

A decrease in the ability to exercise
Chest pain
Swelling in the feet or lower legs
Difficulty breathin

Because these drugs are not recommended for long-term use, it is important for people who are trying to lose weight to learn new eating habits and to exercise while the drug is still effective.
Hopefully these tips will be effective for you to lose weight.
Good Luck !!!


Article Source : webmd.com & ezinearticles.com

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