As the world’s population continues to increase, the problem of obesity also increases; the most worrying aspect is the number of children who are now being diagnosed as obese. For some, the decision is simple and they just write out a check for the surgery but others prefer the harder approach of actually getting fit and controlling their diet. Weight reduction should be approached as a long term proposition especially when you consider it takes considerable time to become overweight so the use of weight loss drugs should be used with caution.

The drugs work by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain, making it believe that the stomach is already full, thereby, increasing the person’s metabolic rate. The problem arose when it was found that one of the side effects from this type of drug was the increased risk of heart valve disease and of course the drug was quickly withdrawn from use. Since then, newer drugs have been developed and doctors continue to prescribe them although they are still awaiting FDA certification.

The chances are that if you asked enough people, someone will say they have used them and been happy with the results. Let’s be honest, it’s in our nature to like things that provide near instant results, without having to put in any effort. This approach has seen consumers spend millions of dollars every year and has generated huge profits for the drug companies who manufacture and sell the weight loss drug.

An individual wishing to buy weight control pills can do so over-the-counter or have them prescribed by their doctor; however there are still health risks associated with their use. The harmful side effects have not been eliminated and it is possible that you could still suffer from hallucinations, stroke, tremors and heart attacks. You would need to read the user information for a full list of all the possible side effects.

The side effects will depend on the person taking the medicine and can be related to their lifestyle; a consultation with the doctor first, rather than buying them over the counter, can help to reduce side effects; stopping using the drugs completely may not eradicate all the problems they may have caused. The effects of withdrawing the pills are irritability, vomiting, depression, fatigue and insomnia to name only a few of the reported conditions.

Generally from the reports it would seem that the effectiveness of weight loss drugs is improved if they are combined with a regular exercise program and a low calorie diet. The type of balanced food groups would be oats, cereals, rice, potatoes with fruit and vegetables as the best source of minerals, fiber and vitamins.

A person can jog every morning or sign up and workout in a gym but just as a person should consult a doctor before taking medicines, a doctor should also be consulted prior to undertaking any form of exercise. Of course a good exercise regime will combine exercises that increase the heart rate and exercises that use weights to tone the muscles. A regime of this kind would increase an individual’s metabolic rate.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 27th, 2008 at 5:18 pm and is filed under Weight-Loss. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.