Using pills for weight loss
Reaching obesity or overweight status can be frustrating and disappointing and it is really hard to make the changes necessary to lose weight. It can be even more challenging when genetics are playing a role because it can make weight loss even more difficult. Some people resort to utilizing weight control drugs to expedite that process, and there are pros and cons to be aware of before you consider this path for yourself.
When losing weight, it is important to limit your calorie intake but it is even more important to eat the right types of food. Focus on lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and sprinkle in some healthy carbs here and there. Try to avoid dairy, sugars outside of your fruit and anything with high sodium or lots of chemical preservatives.
Exercise is also a crucial part of weight loss and keeping it consistent is the only way that you will see consistent results. Don’t strain your body to the point of causing injuries, but be sure to carve out time to move around. Working up a sweat is the only way to see a significant payoff in your weight loss journey but if you stick to the diet then you will still make some amount of progress.
As you lose weight you need to remember that the process is not linear. You will see ups and downs, plateaus and spikes so if you weigh yourself each day can keep a chart then you will be able to see your overall weight loss over time. This can be more encouraging to understand the process that your body is going through as it loses weight. If the diet and exercise and other lifestyle changes are not working over a significant amount of time, then reach out to your doctor and ask about the possibility of using medication.
What types of pills should be avoided?
There are many weight loss supplements and weight control drugs out there that are not approved or regulated by the FDA. These should be avoided because many have disturbing side effects and have not been properly tested on a large population of people. This means that the manufacturers may not know the impact of the medication on your particular body type if someone with your body type or lifestyle was not included in the testing of the product.
Rather than looking into the popular weight loss pills that you see on TV like Hydroxycut or others, ask your doctor about the weight loss medications that have been tested and regulated by the FDA. Orlistat is one weight loss chemical that has been approved by the FDA and it can be found in a couple of over-the-counter medications like Alli and Xenical. Orlistat is designed to prevent the body from absorbing fat when you eat a meal. It doesn’t completely prevent it, but it can reduce the absorption by about 30%.
Phentermine and Topiramate have also been approved by the FDA for weight loss and can be found in a medication called Qysmia. This drug is designed for rapid weight loss and can have a significant impact on your weight loss if you take the medication for a full year. Your doctor should definitely be consulted prior to taking this because it can interact poorly with people who have glaucoma or have experienced any challenges with the health of their heart.
If you need something to help with the food cravings and appetite control then you may want to look into a pill called Belviq. It contains an FDA-approved substance called Lorcaserin Hydrochloride and that is the active ingredient that helps curb that appetite and increase your metabolism. Studies found that people using Belviq lost about five percent of their body weight.
What are the risks of weight control drugs?
Just like all medications, weight control drugs can have significant side effects on your body so it is important to keep an eye on how you are reacting to any medication that you use. Nausea, constipation and diarrhea can be common side effects along with dizzy spells or heart palpitations. There are more serious side effects that can impact your organs which is why the doctor who knows your medical history is the best professional to recommend a medication for you.
There is also the less dangerous risk of the medication not working and that also needs to be monitored by your medical professional. Typically, if you do not lose a certain amount of weight after one year then your doctor will look at changing your treatment or taking you off of the medicine completely. If the medication is still not making an impact or if you try more than one to no avail then your doctor may recommend surgery or some other treatment.
Overall, weight loss pills should be used as a last resort but there are more intrusive options if that last resort should become the second-to-last. There are major lifestyle shifts that should take precedence but when all else fails then you can give these a try. Be cautious, be open with your doctor and be ready to ride the wave of weight loss without letting yourself get discouraged along the way. Stay focused on your goals and be willing to sacrifice for your achievements, but if you need more then we hope that this has given you some insight on your options!