Should You Try Using Weight Loss Drugs?

Each year, increasing numbers of people around the world are becoming overweight; this is also becoming a major health problem for young people with increasing numbers affected by heart conditions. To cure this problem, some people have resorted to surgical measures whereas others have decided that adjustments to their food intake and an increase in physical activity are necessary. Unfortunately others that can't wait to get rid of their extra pounds decide to take the quickest way out through the use of weight loss drugs.

The drugs work by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain, making it believe that the stomach is already full, thereby, increasing the person's metabolic rate. These drugs were quickly removed from circulation when tests revealed that one of the more dangerous side effects was an increased risk of heart valve disease. Not to be defeated though, manufacturers have introduced updated drugs, prescribed by doctors but the FDA approval process is slow.

The chances are that if you asked enough people, someone will say they have used them and been happy with the results. It is a tempting proposition, to lose weight while still maintaining the same diet; who would say no? Many millions of dollars are spent each year in The United States alone whilst the drug manufacturers spend huge sums on further research into weight loss drugs.

An individual wishing to buy weight control pills can do so over-the-counter or have them prescribed by their doctor; however there are still health risks associated with their use. The harmful side effects have not been eliminated and it is possible that you could still suffer from hallucinations, stroke, tremors and heart attacks. You would need to read the user information for a full list of all the possible side effects.

Of course, many factors can affect the type and severity of problems like family history, weight, age and lifestyle; this is why it is so important to see the doctor before starting a course of pills; should you decide to stop taking the treatment, other side effects can occur as a result. The effects of withdrawing the pills are irritability, vomiting, depression, fatigue and insomnia to name only a few of the reported conditions.

Many clinical tests will show that the weight loss drugs taken to reduce weight really work but this can only be done in conjunction with a low calorie diet and an exercise plan. This type of diet requires a balance of the food groups to ensure a proper intake of vitamins, minerals and fiber, almost all of which can be bought at your local supermarket but may require a little preparation.

Exercising will need to be carried out if you want to benefit from the healthy food option but this probably needs to be worked out in advance with your physician. The best exercise plans should have cardiovascular and weight training exercises as this helps burn calories and increase the muscle to fat ratio that will increase a person's metabolism and assist with weight loss.