So what are a few of the latest drugs are clientele are being inundated with?
Adipex-P Oral (from WebMD): "Phentermine is used along with a doctor-approved, reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior change program to help you lose weight. It is used in people who are significantly overweight (obese) and have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life." Some of the side effects are depression related withdraw, the usual GI issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth), headache, blurred vision, and seizures.
Qnexa (from WebMD): "Qnexa the only prescription appetite suppressant approved for long-term use available in the U.S. The only other widely marketed prescriptionweight loss drug, orlistat -- sold by prescription as Xenical and over-the-counter as Alli -- works by blocking dietary fat absorption." Some of the side effects are increased heart rate, heart attacks and arrhythmias. It is not recommended for the masses ans long term use is not yet known. It is not recommended for women of childbearing years as it can cause birth defects.
The table shows common weight-loss pills and what the research shows about their effectiveness and safety.
| Product | Claim | Effectiveness | Side effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alli — OTC version of prescription drug orlistat (Xenical) | Decreases absorption of dietary fat | Effective; but weight loss is even more modest than that with Xenical | Loose stools, oily spotting, frequent or hard-to-control bowel movements; reports of rare, but serious liver injury |
| Bitter orange | Increases calories burned | Probably ineffective | Similar to ephedra: raised blood pressure and heart rate |
| Chitosan | Blocks absorption of dietary fat | Probably ineffective | Uncommon: upset stomach, nausea, gas, increased stool bulk, constipation |
| Chromium | Decreases appetite and increases calories burned | Probably ineffective | Uncommon: headache, insomnia, irritability, mood changes, cognitive dysfunction |
| Conjugated linoleic acid | Reduces body fat | Possibly effective | Upset stomach, nausea, loose stools |
| Green tea extract | Decreases appetite, and increases calorie and fat metabolism | Insufficient evidence to evaluate | Dizziness, insomnia, agitation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, diarrhea |
| Guar gum | Blocks absorption of dietary fat and increases feeling of fullness | Possibly ineffective | Abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea |
| Hoodia | Decreases appetite | Insufficient evidence to evaluate | Insufficient information available |
--
Gina Lesako RD, LD is a Columbus, Ohio based dietitian. She is the SCAN volunteer blog coordinator and also writes for her own blog, Dietitians Eat Chocolate Too.
