How to Lose weight Effectively - Part 3 : Prescription Diet Pills

Diet pills are a tempting quick fix for losing weight effectively. While there have been serious complications reported, most side effects of prescription diet pills are mild (although unpleasant). The use of prescription diet pills may be appropriate for some patients but do keep in mind that these drugs are not a cure-all for obesity. The use of diet pills should be combined with exercise and diet for successful weight loss and maintenance.

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Do I Need a Prescription Diet Pill ?

Prescription diet pills to treat obesity should be an option for individuals with:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above with no obesity-related conditions.
• A BMI of 27 and above with obesity related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Types of Prescription Diet Pills

 

There are 2 main groups of prescription diet pills - Appetite Suppressants and Fat Absorption Inhibitors.

1) Appetite Suppressants
 
One common prescription appetite suppressant is phentermine (marketed under the trade name Duromine or Adipex). Appetite suppressants promote weight loss by tricking the body into believing that it is not hungry. They decrease appetite by increasing brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite. The side effects of phentermine include palpitations, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, constipation, dry mouth and difficulty to sleep at night. Most side effects usually improve as our body adjusts to the medication. It is not safe to consume phentermine without consulting a doctor. Indeed, experts are warning that thousands of women are putting their lives at risk by buying diet pills online.

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In 2002, Singaporean TV personality Andrea De Cruz was diagnosed with liver failure after consuming a chinese slimming pill purchased from a colleague. De Cruz was saved after receiving an emergency liver transplant from her husband, who donated half of his liver.

2) Fat Absorption Inhibitors

Fat absorption inhibitors are prescribed to prevent the absorption of fats from the diet, thereby reducing calorie intake. The unabsorbed fat is eliminated via bowel movements. Orlistat (marketed under the trade name Xenical) is FDA approved to treat obesity. Possible side effects from Xenical are oily, loose stools, passing gas and inability to control bowel movements. To minimize these effects, foods with high fat content should be avoided.

Most prescription diet pills are intended for short term use to control obesity (not to be prescribed for more than a few months). After that, our body may develop tolerance to the effects of the pills, and the weight loss plateaus. After that, if we do not also practice healthy eating and follow an exercise plan, the pounds may come right back.