Weight Loss Drugs: Are They Sufficient?

Weight loss drugs combined with a regular workout and a low-calorie diet may produce significant weight loss for obese people. The effect of weight loss drugs is to make people feel fuller after eating a small portion of food.

These drugs are recommended for obese people only and should be taken only under medical supervision. The FDA approved appetite-suppressant medications such as phentermine and sibutramine for obese people who want to lose weight. Appetite-suppressants decrease the appetite by impacting the brain chemicals that control it.

For instance, Orlistat, is a lipase inhibitor that blocks the breaking down of dietary fat. When this happens, the body takes in fewer calories.

Drugs that contain metformin are usually used to treat diabetes may help obese people with Type II diabetes lose small amounts of weight. People have different experiences with weight-loss medications. Some register weight loss up to twenty-two pounds in a period of six months while others may experience unwanted side-effects.

Although medication for obesity usually has mild side effects, some people report serious complications. The common side effects of weight-loss medication include irritability, dry mouth, nervousness, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pains, constipation, or sleep problems.

Particularly, orlistat may cause diarrhea, oily stools, frequent bowel movements, cramping, or gas. Sometimes, the lost weight may be regained. However, a healthy low-calorie diet and physical activity may stop weight gain after the treatment with weight-loss medication is stopped.

Sibutramine may have unwanted side-effects such as constipation, headache, insomnia, or dry mouth. Specialists recommend that people with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or heart disease avoid taking sibutramine.

Diethypropion, phendimetrazine, and phentermine are known to cause euphoria, insomnia, nervousness and should be avoided by people with overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, or glaucoma.

Even if weight-loss drugs offer the expected results, they shouldn`t replace physical activity or healthy habits. Always seek medical advice before starting to take weight-loss medication.