Are Weight Loss Drugs An Alternative?

Obesity is fast becoming the number one health problem in developed and developing countries around the world; this situation is now affecting children of pre-school age and is a worrying aspect. In order to lose those excess pounds, many people resort to surgery whereas other people realize that a healthy diet with regular exercise is a better method. Impatience to see results usually means that overweight people can frequently resort to using weight loss drugs to achieve that fast result they crave.

The idea behind the drugs is to quicken each person's metabolism enabling the weight to be lost much quicker. That was all well and good until the point where more research had concluded that there was an increased risk of heart valve disease and as a consequence the drugs were withdrawn. Not to be defeated though, manufacturers have introduced updated drugs, prescribed by doctors but the FDA approval process is slow.

Most people have known friends or family members who have tried using diet pills and have seen tremendous improvement. This is obviously a very tempting prospect, to lose weight whilst eating the same diet. The weight loss drug manufacturers have spent a huge sum on research but this cannot be compared to the amount spent by consumers.

Even with all the testing and new techniques available for manufacturers, many side effects like nausea and diarrhea still exist with the new generation of weight control pills which, incidentally, can still be purchased over the counter. Other harmful side effects include tightness in the chest, urinary tract problems and stroke. An overdose of the diet pills can cause tremors, confusion, hallucinations, shallow breathing, renal failure even heart attack and convulsions.

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. Problems like depression, nausea, bad mood swings, nightmares, insomnia for example have all been reported when a person has stopped taking the weight control pills.

Despite all the bad publicity, weight loss drugs do work but they are more successful if they are used in conjunction with a low calorie diet and regular exercise, preferably using a properly worked out exercise regime. This means eating a good diet containing food from all the food groups that includes vitamins and minerals; fiber can be found in oats, rice, potatoes, cereals, vegetables and fruits.

As far as the exercise is concerned, this needs to be worked out in advance after a physical examination by your doctor. A good exercise plan with the use of weights will help improve the body's ability to burn off the calories and maintain a healthy heart.

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