Diet pills are a strong presence in the pharmacy industry. The pills’ “fast track” and “guaranteed flat abs” results convince consumers that a weight loss product is the answer to their fat problem. These diet solutions, however, must be studied thoroughly before one buys any of them. Some of these pills cause serious side effects that can worsen the body’s condition. Below are a few important points to consider before buying any diet product.
Three types of diet medication
Diet products fall under three categories: herbal supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and prescription drugs. Herbal supplements do not require a doctor’s approval. Unlike prescription and OTC medicines, herbal medicines use organic ingredients extracted from plants. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consider supplements as food products rather than drugs.
OTC drugs can be purchased without a doctor’s recommendation. Although OTC drug purchases are not officially advised by a physician, the FDA ensures that these products are regulated.
Prescription drug is the only classification that requires a doctor’s recommendation. The doctor’s prescription is necessary for the patient’s safety and long-term health. The side effects of prescription drugs are monitored by the attending physician.
How weight loss happens
Diet pills either act as appetite suppressants or as fat absorption inhibitors. Other diet products reduce weight by employing both functions. Appetite suppressants influence the hypothalamus, a region located in the brain. The diet pill inhibits the hypothalamus’ production of norephinephrine and serotonin, hormones responsible for the full feeling one experiences after eating. Decreasing hormone production prevents one from overeating during a meal or eating too often in a day. Some examples of appetite suppressant pills are Merdia (generic sibutramine), Adipex (generic phentermine), and Tenuate (generic diethylpropion).
Fat absorption inhibitors work by blocking the action of the lipase, which is responsible for metabolizing fat located in the intestinal track. The inhibition of this enzyme lessens the fat absorbed by the body. Instead, the fat from the food consumed is released through bowel movements. One popular fat blocker is orlistat (brand name Xenical).
Like other medicines, weight loss products come with their side effects and unhealthy consequences. Prescription diet pills undergo strict regulation and recommendation since certain amounts can lead to addiction. Doctors require specific dosages to prevent the patient from getting addicted to the diet pill.
Another consequence of diet pills is developed tolerance, which occurs six months after consuming the medicine. The individual’s weight levels off, reducing the rate at which fats are burned in the body.
Xenical and Merdia are said to be the most effective weight loss products, shedding about five to 22 pounds in a year. The weight reduction rate will depend on the person’s health condition, body mass index, lifestyle, normal metabolic rate, and diet. Individuals worried about their weight should consult a doctor to fully understand the situation. Seeking professional help guarantees better results than buying the most popular diet product in the market.
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