Our global weight problem is a concern to health organizations everywhere as there has been a corresponding increase in health issues; the problem has now extended to younger and younger children who are affected, with the fear they will grow into overweight adults. The two main methods that people currently employ to shed excess pounds are surgery which might be considered excessive by some, or exercising and eating more healthily. If surgery isn’t bad enough, increasing numbers of overweight people start to take weight loss drugs as a fast and relatively inexpensive way to shed excess fat.
The process is relatively simple as the drugs act upon the brain’s own chemical, serotonin, fooling the brain into believing it’s not hungry and at the same time increasing the body’s metabolism. It was only after scientists discovered that these drugs had side effects and were related to heart valve disease that they were taken off the shelves. Not to be defeated though, manufacturers have introduced updated drugs, prescribed by doctors but the FDA approval process is slow.
The chances are that if you asked enough people, someone will say they have used them and been happy with the results. The idea that a simple drug can change your body shape without the need to change the diet or sacrificing those pleasures in life can be very tempting. This approach has seen consumers spend millions of dollars every year and has generated huge profits for the drug companies who manufacture and sell the weight loss drug.
Even with all the testing and new techniques available for manufacturers, many side effects like nausea and diarrhea still exist with the new generation of weight control pills which, incidentally, can still be purchased over the counter. But they are not the only side effects and some can be more harmful than others. These include heart attacks, tremors, strokes, hallucinations and renal failure.
Of course, many factors can affect the type and severity of problems like family history, weight, age and lifestyle; this is why it is so important to see the doctor before starting a course of pills; should you decide to stop taking the treatment, other side effects can occur as a result. For instance it is not uncommon for people taking weight control pills to experience other side effects like sleep problems, tiredness, mood swings, stomach problems and more.
Despite all the bad publicity, weight loss drugs do work but they are more successful if they are used in conjunction with a low calorie diet and regular exercise, preferably using a properly worked out exercise regime. A diet that is full of foods such as oats, rice, cereals, potatoes, vegetables and fruits contain a good supply of vitamins, minerals and essential fiber.
As far as the exercise is concerned, this needs to be worked out in advance after a physical examination by your doctor. The most efficient exercise should be regular and contain a mixture of cardiovascular (walking, swimming etc.) and weight training using machines to build muscle, burn off excess calories and lose the extra pounds.
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