The Skinny On Weight Loss Drugs

Friday, July 25 2008

Dieting is a huge part of our culture in the United States and we are inundated with options on supplements and devices that are purported to help people lose weight, tone up, get in shape, and stay skinny. There are gyms, workout equipment for at home, online support groups for people trying to lose weight, programs with weekly meetings, diet plans, herbal supplements, and medications all aimed at this enormous market. However, true weight loss is a battle people often lose. In an effort to win the battle of the bulge, many people resort to measures that are often just a temporary fix, promise unrealistic results, or are even downright dangerous. The lure of dropping the pounds and being skinny far outweighs the risks in most people’s minds, though, and many people suffer dramatic and dangerous side effects and results as a consequence. In addition, since so many supplements are available in supermarkets, drug stores, and health-based retail shops without having to meet the stringent requirements the FDA enforces for medications, people are unaware of the dangers that are associated with taking them. While medications for weight loss are not the answer for everyone and generally are prescribed for people who are considered obese, the drugs are at least studied in-depth and meet the strict criterion imposed by the FDA. However, even after meeting these requirements, drugs for weight loss still carry risk. Deciding which drug is the safest can be a difficult task. Knowing the risks and side effects of the medications can let a consumer make an educated and safe choice.

Weight Loss Medication

There are several medications that are prescribed by doctors to patients needing to lose weigh. These drugs fall into two categories: those that are appetite suppressants and those that inhibit the absorption of fat into the body. Phentermine and ephedrine are drugs that are considered appetite suppressants. Phentermine- the ‘Phen’ in Phen-Fen- is still available in the United States because it was determined to not carry the same risks as it did when combined with the other drug in the Phen-Fen cocktail. However, it has been banned in Europe because of the association of possible lung and heart complications. While it is still in use in the US, it should cause a consumer to pause and consider the risks before taking phentermine, especially as it also carries the risk of addiction and can only be used for short amounts of time.

Ephedrine was commonly used in many dietary supplements until it was officially banned for use in diet aids in 2006 because of the high risk associated with it. Ephedrine is very chemically similar to methamphetamines or ‘speed’ and is known to cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeats, and even death. In fact, in August of 2006, the FDA released a statement that said, "No dosage of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids is safe and the sale of these products in the United States is illegal and subject to enforcement action."1.  Ephedrine alkaloids are the active ingredient in ephedra supplements and evidence attributes around 16,000 negative reactions to them before the ban was put into effect.2. Additionally, ephedrine was found to mildly suppress appetite, but did not contribute in any major way to weight loss.

With so many risks associated with these weight loss drugs, it was time for something different. Instead of focusing on suppressing the appetite, a new approach was taken and the focus shifted to preventing the absorption of fat into the body. Xenical works in this manner. By preventing the absorption of fat into the body, it effectively reduces the amount of calories absorbed as well. Additionally, Xenical does not pose the risks that phentermine and ephedrine carry since it does not affect the heart or lungs. Xenical only affects the intestines and only a small amount of it even enters the bloodstream. The side effects of Xenical are minimal, are not life-threatening, and can be minimized by proper usage of the drug. As long as a person taking Xenical makes sure that the foods they consume contain a low fat percentage, the side effects of Xenical can be managed and when a person discontinues the medication, the side effects disappear. In addition, Xenical can be taken long-term. While most weight-loss drugs can only be used for short periods of time due to the risk of addiction, Xenical is not an addictive drug and can safely be used for up to two years, which makes it one of the only weight-loss drugs of its kind.

Knowledge Is Helpful

Knowing the risks of weight-loss medications greatly increases a person’s chances of losing the weight and keeping it off in a safe manner. While all medications have some side effects, some are safer and more manageable than others. Xenical has been studied extensively and is known to be non-addictive and safe for long-term use. It is also easily obtained online through AccessRx, an online pharmacy that has doctors standing by. Instead of having to make an appointment with your doctor and then take the time to go in for an office visit, you can simply fill out a questionnaire at the website- www.accessrx.com- and a licensed doctor will provide you with a prescription that can be filled right there at the same site. You can access the website any time, night or day, and save yourself the time and effort of the traditional doctor visit. In addition, you can reach a live person at AccessRx at 1-800-467-0297 and get the answers to any questions you might have. AccessRx only dispenses FDA approved medications through licensed U.S. pharmacies, so you can rest assured that the medication you receive is exactly what you ordered and is authentic and that you are obtaining the medication at a great price. Losing weight has never been so easy to accomplish!