With obesity on the rise in the United States, many are seeking that quick fix for weight loss. Some chose diets like low carb and Atkins to weight loss surgery like gastric bypass or the lap band. Others are turning to diet pills as a way to lose weight, seeking supplements over the counter or via prescriptions by doctors.
Requirements
There are certain requirements that a person must meet to be prescribed diet pills. If you are just looking to shed a few pounds, then this isn't for you. Diet pills are normally prescribed for obese people. Obese describes a person who has a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or more. People who have a history of high blood pressure or diabetes and are overweight are also candidates for diet pills. A doctor will examine and perform tests on individuals to see if they meet the criteria for diet pills.
Meridia
Meridia is a prescription diet pill that works as an appetite suppressant. It affects chemicals in the body that help in the aid of weight loss. = It is a pill usually taken once a day. Meridia inhibits reabsorption of serotonin. Serotonin is chemical that is released in the brain after you eat. By inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin, Meridia, makes a person fill full longer. This reduces calorie intake, causing a person to lose weight. Side effects associated with Meridia are high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and fast heart rate. Most of the side effects were noticed in people who took larger dosages of the medication.
Adipex
Adipex is another prescription diet pill that works the same way as Meridia. It raises neurotransmitters like serotonin and noradrenaline. When Adipex raises both of these neurotransmitters, a person will experience a decrease in appetite. It also stimulates the hypothalumus. By doing this, the heart rate increases and in return decreases appetite. Side effects of Adipex are impaired thinking, dry mouth, hyperactivity and constipation. Some serious side effects may be high blood pressure, hallucinations and rapid heart rate. Your doctor should be notified if any of these serious reactions occur. Adipex is a replacement of the diet pill Fastin.
Over-the-Counter Supplements
There have been two popular over-the-counter diet supplements -- ephedrine, which no longer is on the market, and hoodia. Ephedrine was among the over-the-counter pills like Stackers and Stacker 2. It suppressed appetite but at the same time raised heart rates. Ephedrine was banned because of health concerns.
Hoodia is a newer form of diet pill derived from a cactus-like plant in Africa. Hoodia is supposed to suppress appetites. It has grown in popularity over the past three years. Unlike ephedrine products, Hoodia does not raise blood pressure or makes the heart race. There are studies that have shown Hoodia affects liver functions. Because of this possibility, it may interact with other drugs.
Conclusion
Diet pills are a temporary means to weight loss. There is never a quick answer or way for losing weight. Diet and exercising is the most affective way in losing and maintaining weight. Many of these pills often have side effects and run the risk of causing serious health problems.
