Weight loss is a huge issue for millions of people, and weight loss drugs have always been covered widely by the media. Newspapers magazines and television newscast all have reported the many myths, problem and successes with these over the counter and prescription drugs.
In an article from the New York Times Weight Loss Drugs, "Hoopla and Hype," published April 24, 2007, the many effects and misconception from over the counter weight loss supplements are discussed in detail. This article says that in a telephone survey “more than 60 percent mistakenly thought that all such supplements had been tested and proved safe and effective; 54 percent thought that the Food and Drug Administration approved the remedies.”
In an article from the New York Times Weight Loss Drugs, "Hoopla and Hype," published April 24, 2007, the many effects and misconception from over the counter weight loss supplements are discussed in detail. This article says that in a telephone survey “more than 60 percent mistakenly thought that all such supplements had been tested and proved safe and effective; 54 percent thought that the Food and Drug Administration approved the remedies.”
The truth is because these drugs use natural ingredients they do not have to submit any evidence of the safety or effectiveness to the food and drug agency because of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act that passed in 1994. Can you believe that!?! Millions of people take these supplements hoping they will lose the weight but instead all they gain is high blood pressure and heart problems. Even the prescription drugs have had limited success. You should discuss with your doctor the risk and benefits of these drugs and realize that they are an aid in weight loss and should not be used long term or as your only method of weight loss.
Health Magazine talks to a woman who used a friend's Ritalin (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication) to help her loss some weight. Even though she did this without a doctors approval (NOT recommended), some doctors have prescribed many drugs for weight loss that are typically for the treatment of other things, from depression all the way to seizures. Off- label prescribing come with its own set of risk even though these drugs are FDA approved. It is not for the causal dieter and should only be used at the recommendation of your doctor in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
A Newscast video from abc.com reports that weight loss drugs are ineffective. Long term clinical trials found that obese people on one of three popular weight loss drugs (Meridian, Xenical, and Acomplia) lost only around 10 pounds even with drug treatment. Those on Acomplia had an increase in mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Acomplia is only available in Europe and was denied approval by the FDA because of the mental health issues. The approved drugs do have some benefit because a small loss in weight can improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but don’t expect a huge change in your appearance.
Have you noticed a common thread though all three of these articles? Doctor’s approval, healthy diet, and exercise. It takes a commitment from you to lose weight. There is not one miracle sit-on-your-behind-while-the-pounds-melt-off drug, but a true lifestyle change to a healthier life. Under the right care, a weight loss drug can AID in your journey to a healthier life - not replace diet and exercise.
New York Times, Weight loss Drugs: Hoopla and Hype
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/24/health/24brod.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=weight%20loss%20drugs&st=cse
Health magazine, The New Diet Pills
http://living.health.com/2007/04/01/the-new-diet-pills/
ABC, Weight Loss Drugs Ineffective
http://abcnews.go.com/search?searchtext=weight%20loss%20drugs&from=0&to=9&type=video
Health Magazine talks to a woman who used a friend's Ritalin (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication) to help her loss some weight. Even though she did this without a doctors approval (NOT recommended), some doctors have prescribed many drugs for weight loss that are typically for the treatment of other things, from depression all the way to seizures. Off- label prescribing come with its own set of risk even though these drugs are FDA approved. It is not for the causal dieter and should only be used at the recommendation of your doctor in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
A Newscast video from abc.com reports that weight loss drugs are ineffective. Long term clinical trials found that obese people on one of three popular weight loss drugs (Meridian, Xenical, and Acomplia) lost only around 10 pounds even with drug treatment. Those on Acomplia had an increase in mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Acomplia is only available in Europe and was denied approval by the FDA because of the mental health issues. The approved drugs do have some benefit because a small loss in weight can improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but don’t expect a huge change in your appearance.
Have you noticed a common thread though all three of these articles? Doctor’s approval, healthy diet, and exercise. It takes a commitment from you to lose weight. There is not one miracle sit-on-your-behind-while-the-pounds-melt-off drug, but a true lifestyle change to a healthier life. Under the right care, a weight loss drug can AID in your journey to a healthier life - not replace diet and exercise.
New York Times, Weight loss Drugs: Hoopla and Hype
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/24/health/24brod.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=weight%20loss%20drugs&st=cse
Health magazine, The New Diet Pills
http://living.health.com/2007/04/01/the-new-diet-pills/
ABC, Weight Loss Drugs Ineffective
http://abcnews.go.com/search?searchtext=weight%20loss%20drugs&from=0&to=9&type=video
It's crazy to see all the weight-loss commercials. It just proves Americans are lazy and would rather take pills then work-out themselves.
ReplyDeleteI wish people would understand that these drugs only help in losing weight - they still need to incorporate a good diet and exercise.
ReplyDeleteWeight loss pills can help a person lose weight (I've used them before) but you have to have a good diet and exercise regime. I think the biggest problem is that people don't know how to eat healthy anymore. Too much fast food and not enough vegetables and exercise.
ReplyDeleteJus be careful b4 buyin any food- or health-related product, cuz u wanna make sure what u put into yo body is safe and ain’t gonna ruin your health.
ReplyDeleteMy advice for anyone that takes it is to consult your doctor first due to its side effects on your body.
ReplyDeleteRegarding media, ever wonder why they always have a picture of a super slim woman associated with the drug they’re trying to advertise? That’s not real. What’s real are the before and after photos of the contestants from “The Biggest Loser.”
ReplyDeleteAlli is not a magic pill, it is a pretty good aid to weight loss. The company and users all claim that you must be willing to do the work if you expect Alli to help you lose the weight.
ReplyDeleteGr8 info...I also think that everyone should just exercise to maintain a healthy weight and other things like their BP! :)
ReplyDeletewe need to be educated if over 50% think that the FDA has proved the drugs to be safe!
ReplyDeleteWeight loss drugs really should only be recommended with doctor’s approval, healthy diet, and exercise.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather opt for weight loss surgery than consume these pills, which prove no actual benefits to our body.
ReplyDeleteSlim-Fizz is a special appetite suppressant which is containing the ground-breaking fibre Glucomannan, which is a natural dissolvable fibre extracted from high quality pure Konjac.
ReplyDelete