The Skinny On Today's Diet Pills: Do They Work for Weight Loss?
submitted: 2008-04-13 17:35:46 |
by: ReagynMiers
Total views: 52 |
Word Count: 846 |
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When it comes weight loss, the million dollar question has always been, what diet pills really work? No one wants to waste their money, time and hopes on a pill that is ineffective. The good news is some diet pills may really work - to some degree. However, caution should be taken. Always consult with your doctor and make diet and exercise the cornerstone of your weight loss program - not the pills themselves.
Diet drugs have changed a lot over the past fifty years and while they are safer, they all come with their own risks. You shouldn't start taking any diet pill before you are educated on how it works and what health risks and/or side effects you may experience while taking the drug. Most importantly, you should always consult with a doctor before taking any diet pill or supplement. Here is a rundown of a few of the most popular diet pills available today.
Meridia (sibutramine)
Meridia works on the brain's appetite-control center and alters the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin. These chemical regulate how full a person feels after eating. Meridia is available by prescription only and it intended for very overweight or obese individuals.
Meridia may be the answer for those individuals who are obese and are always hungry. It may help overcome that gnawing hungry feeling and may help a person feel satisfied. This drug is only given to people who are overweight and obese. It should not be used by someone wanting to shed a few extra stubborn pounds.
Before you start taking Meridia you should talk to your doctor about what to expect on the drug. Meridia has a bit of a reputation. It can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack and it can raise your blood pressure. Meridia has been banned in Italy due to people suffering bad reactions after taking the drug. There have been groups requesting that it be banned in the United States. While it hasn't been banned in the U.S., the pill's safety is being monitored by the FDA.
Byetta (exenatide) and Glucophage (metformin)
If you are a type 2 diabetic and overweight or obese, your doctor may prescribe Byetta and Glucophage. Both are diabetic drugs used to manage blood sugar levels.
If you are a type 2 diabetic, or if you suffer from hormonal conditions that are linked to insulin resistance, your doctor may prescribe Byetta or Glucophage to help you lose weight. Unlike other weight loss drugs, insurance companies will more than likely pick up the tab on these medications as they are classified as "diabetic medications."
Zimulti (rimonabant)
Hailed as one of the most promising diet pills in the weight loss industry, the FDA hasn't approved Zimulti because of increased risk of suicidal thoughts. At the time of this writing, this prescription drug isn't available in the United States. It has been available, however, in the European Union under the name Acomplia.
Alli (orlistat)
Orlistat is a prescription drug used to treat obesity. Alli is a reduced-strength version of Orlistat and is available over-the-counter, but it is still recommended that you consult your doctor before taking it. Alli helps weight loss by preventing fat in the food you eat from being absorbed in the body, specifically by the intestines. The undigested fat is removed from your body through bowel movements. By decreasing the absorption of fat in the body, Alli essentially reduces the number of calories you absorb.
There is a drawback to Alli that consumers should know about. If you eat too much fat you may soil or leak on yourself. These kinds of accidents can be embarrassing, so be forewarned. These occurrences can be prevented, however, by limiting the amount of fat you consumer per meal.
Supplements
Don't take any kind of diet supplements until you know what they are, even if they claim to be "natural." Just because they are natural doesn't mean they are good for you. For instance, bitter orange extract is being used as an ephedra replacement in many diet supplements. As you probably know, ephedra was banned because it caused adverse reaction in people, including several strokes and deaths.
There are two supplements, however, that many agree are safe and may be effective in weight loss. They are green tree extract and hoodia gordonii. EGCG, an antioxidant found in green tea, may help boost the body's metabolism. Hoodia gordonii is a natural appetite suppressant. It tricks the brain into thinking you are full. The idea behind hoodia diet pills is that if you feel full, you'll eat less. Thus, you'll lose weight.
What diet pills really work for weight loss? Well, that depends. Some of the pills mentioned here may or may not be suitable for you - and even though they work for one person, they may not do a thing for you. Supplements may be a safer alternative but they come with certain risks as well. That's why it's important to make diet and exercise the main components of your weight loss program. Diet pills and supplements should only be used as a temporary aid and you should always consult with a doctor first before taking them!
About the Author
Are you concerned by the side effects of prescription pills? Consider hoodia diet pills. Get detailed information including hoodia gordonii side effects, reviews, and recommendations.
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