It’s best to lose weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Weight loss medications, when used in combination with this regime can improve your health. Making it clear
Prescription weight loss drugs are not intended for people who want to lose a few pounds. They're reserved for those unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and often have health problems as a result. Potential candidates:
- Other methods haven’t worked
- Body mass index (BMI) is greater than 27 and medical complications of obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea are a factor
- BMI is greater than 30.
What’s safe?
- Sibutramine (Meridia) changes brain chemistry to make the user feel full quicker. It can cause a small increase in blood pressure and may warrant discontinuing the drug. Not recommended for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat or a history of stroke
- Orlistat (Xenical) prevents the absorption of fat in the intestines. It decreases the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E. Daily vitamin supplement may be required to prevent potential nutrient deficiencies.
| Combining weight loss medications with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise can help more than either drugs or lifestyle changes alone. Modest loss has significant health benefits, a small percentage can decrease: - Blood pressure
- Blood triglyceride levels
- Blood glucose levels
- Insulin levels.
Not a replacement
You and your doctor must carefully evaluate the potential benefits of taking a drug and weigh them against possible long-term risks. Your health history, possible side effects and interaction of weight loss medications with other medications will be considered.
When taking these medications it’s imperative to exercise, change eating habits and adjust any lifestyle factors that have contributed to the excess weight. Weight loss medications aren’t the ‘magic bullet’, but can be a useful tool. Weight loss products
A number of weight loss products are available. Dietary supplements and aids are not subject to the same rigorous standards as over-the-counter prescription medications. Some have more than 20 herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals or other add-ons, such as caffeine or laxatives. How these ingredients interact individually and collectively with your body is largely unknown. If you’re taking prescribed-medication using them may be risky. Read labels closely and talk with your doctor or pharmacist about dietary supplements before using. H&L For questions you would like answered by a Pharmacist professional please write to the editor@healthandlifestyle.ca |
Send To Friend
Print
