Is
a Prescription Weight Loss Pill Right for You?
When you diet and
exercise for months but still don’t see results on the scale,
you may be tempted to investigate the possibility of taking a prescription
weight loss pill. Prescription weight loss pills do not receive
a lot of media attention, but they do exist in various forms.
Of course, in order
to buy a prescription weight loss pill, you would need to see a
doctor and be approved for the prescription. Typically, a patient
will only be given a prescription weight loss pill if he or she
is obese (with a body mass index of 30 or above) or if the patient
is suffering from obesity-related conditions. Another fact to consider
with a prescription weight loss pill is that this type of medication
is designed to be used for a few weeks or months and is not recommended
for permanent use.
Currently, there
are two commonly used prescription weight loss pills on the market.
One is Meridia, which is an appetite suppressant. The other popular
prescription weight loss pill is Xenical, which blocks the digestion
of dietary fat by about 30 percent. Xenical is also available in
a non-prescription form, an over-the-counter weight loss pill called
Alli.
Studies have shown
that the Meridia and Xenical prescription weight loss pills are
somewhat effective, helping patients to lose an average of 5-22
pounds over a one-year period. However, as with all prescription
drugs, a prescription weight loss pill will have side effects and
is not appropriate for patients with certain health conditions like
high blood pressure and heart disease.
Common prescription
weight loss pill side effects include increased heart rate, addiction,
developed tolerance, increased blood pressure, insomnia, drowsiness,
headache, digestive problems, and anxiety. Rarely, a prescription
weight loss pill may also cause death. It is generally recommended
that, instead of turning to a prescription weight loss pill, people
trying to lose weight should try non-prescription, natural remedies
first.
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