Prescription Diet Medicine
- Before discussing the different prescription pills available on the market, it is important to understand the potential issues that diet pills may not be the perfect weight loss solution that they are advertised to be by their manufacturers. The Mayo Clinic states that diet pills are only successful when "... combined with a healthy diet and physical activity." They also state that "...diet pills aren't for everyone... many doctors only consider them if you have weight-related health problems." If you are interested in prescription weight loss pills, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking them to see if they are right for you.
- Sibutramine, known by the brand name Meridia, is a generally safe and effective way for obese people to lose weight. They suppress your appetite. These pills will be prescribed if you are over 30 on the BMI mass scale and will also be prescribed if you are at 27, but have other risks including diabetes or hypertension. They are intended to be taken in conjunction with an improved, lower calorie diet and with exercise. They simply cannot work on their own, as they only suppress your appetite. If you still overeat and don't exercise while taking these pills, they will have no effect. Medicine Net states that Sibutramine is generally well-tolerated. They list side effects as including "... constipation, inability to sleep, headache, and dry mouth...abdominal pain, acne, rash, chest pain, anxiety, joint pain, back pain, excitation, depression..." and state that abnormal liver tests have been reported in 1 out of 60 people on Sibutramine.
- Orlistat is a weight loss drug that helps promote weight loss by preventing the digestion of fat in the body. This fat will then pass through the intestines and be excreted out in fecal matter. This prevents the absorption of 25 percent of fat in the body. This drug is most effective with a lower fat diet and exercise. The side effects of orlistat are minor. Medicine Net states that they include "...oily spotting on underwear, flatulence, urgent bowel movements, fatty or oily stools, increased number of bowel movements, abdominal pain or discomfort, and inability to control stool (incontinence)." Those who have suffered from kidney stones in the past should avoid orlistate as it may create more kidney stones in the future.
- Phentermine is an appetite suppressing prescription drug that will only be prescribed if someone is obese. Someone is obese when their BMI is higher than 30. However, if someone has a BMI of 27 and also has diabetes or hypertension, a doctor may also prescribe phentermine. It will help you lose weight by suppressing an overactive appetite. Phentermine is approved by the FDA. It is intended for short term use of no more than three months. With exercise and proper diet, phentermine should be able to help you lose weight. There are some potential side effects. Some side effects include chest pain, fainting, swelling of feet, and trouble breathing. If you suffer from these side effects, you may need to see your doctor. Other side effects include depression, drowsiness, increased blood pressure, irritability, nervousness and tiredness. These minor side effects are usually considered a minor risk in obtaining a healthy weight.
