Diet drugs are invading the weight
loss products market in US. The recent arrivals which
made a mark are sibutramine [Meridia] and orilstat [Xenical].
Meridian works on the neurotransmitters in the brain
and thus helps to suppress the appetite. Xenical blocks
fat absorption in the intestine and prevents weight
gain. Study shows an average weight loss of 5 to 9 percent
of body weight if the drugs are taken in combination
with exercise and diet therapy.
Phentermine is the most widely used
drug for weight loss. It is predominant in the market
since 1959 and its generic costs $30 for a month's supply.
Topamax and Zonisamide are two anti seizure medications
which caught the public's attention as drugs which result
in considerable weight loss. In one study using the
drug Zonisamide, more than half of the people who took
it lost at least 5 percent of their body weight. Another
study with the drug Topiramate helped obese patients
ease their binge eating disorders and lose weight. Later,
both the drugs projected severe side effects which included
memory problems. And soon it was taken away from the
category of studying weight loss drugs.
Have a look at the traditional medicines
too. Side effects are common. A consumer group had revolted
against Meridia for its link to health issues like heart
diseases and intestinal side effects. These diet drugs
are addictive too. Once you begin to lose weight, you
develop a kind of dependency which is difficult to let
go off. After 8 to 12 weeks of treatment some patients
still stick to the drug though it would have lost its
effect on him. There won't be any weight loss but the
diet pill user will be able to manage his weight for
some more periods. Without proper medical attention
it's difficult for the patient to stay away from the
drug.
So far there has been no single diet pill which has
survived a long term weight loss therapy treatment successfully.
Patients forget that strict control of food and regular
exercise are essential. Though Phentermine is still
the people's choice, drug manufacturers are on the search
for that ultimate drug which can have a rapid weight
loss effect like the bariatric surgery.
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