Perscription Weight Loss Drugs
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:05PM
Every now and again, you may run across someone with a knockout figure who claims to eat whatever they want. 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 the usual weight loss path recommended by physicians and health care authorities. But what if diet and exercise aren't enough? For some people, weight loss is extremely difficult. These people may need a little something extra to help them achieve their goals, and may be tempted to use prescription weight loss drugs. But before resorting to pharmaceuticals, it’s very important to understand the risks; as there are a number of FDA approved prescription weight loss drugs that can be harmful, especially when not taken as directed.
How Do Weight Loss Drugs Work?
Most weight loss drugs work by suppressing the appetite (not good). One exception to this rule is 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 decreases dietary fat absorption by 30%. 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 body’s most important functions–enzyme production. We do not recommend this product for weight loss. We suggest a natural substitute such as Slimirex™.
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. And they really are 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.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. The products we promote are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives.
