How and Why Fitness for your life. Exercise, exercise equipment and nutrition. | Losing Weight by Prescription

There is no question that one can lose weight with prescription drugs. Drugs for weight loss have been around for decades and the majority do work. However, these prescription weight loss drugs do have certain side effects and complications that may not be desirable. The older weight loss drugs like amphetamines and fen-fen were excellent for weight loss but were also associated with serious heart complications, drug dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Weight loss drugs are only ideal for short term use and can help one lose weight fast. However, these drugs are not meant for everyone and most physicians only prescribe them for individuals who have weight related health problems.

One should always start to lose weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise. After a trial of 3-6 months, if this has not worked then perhaps one should seek weight loss drugs. There are tons of herbs, lotions and potions on cyberspace for weight loss. The majority of these products are fakes, scams and shams. So save your money and avoid the disappointments. If you are going to spend money, use it on something that works.

Are you a candidate for a prescription weight loss drug?

Because of safety issues, prescription weight loss drugs are not meant for cosmetic use.  Individuals who simply want to look trim and slim are definitely not candidates for these drugs. The prescription drugs are for those individuals who are unable to achieve a healthy weight through diet and exercise and often have health related problems because of excess weight.

Other criteria for weight loss drugs are that your body mass index must be greater than 25 and you must have a medical disorder like diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea.

The two prescription drugs that can help you lose anywhere from 10-15 pounds in 2-3 months are sibutramine (meridia) and orlistat (xenical).  These drugs have to be taken daily for about 2-4 months and do work in about 80% of individuals. Common side effects include headaches, diarrhea, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, and greasy stools. The average monthly cost for these drugs ranges from $200-$300.

Two non prescription medications that also work include adipex and alli. Adipex contains phentermine and is only approved for short term use. While it can help reduce weight, rebound weight gain is common if you do not make changes in your life styles.

Allis is the reduced strength of xenical and is often recommended with a low fat diet and regular exercise. Both these drugs help you lose 2-3 pounds a month, but both have annoying side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea, greasy stools and soiling of your panties or underwear (not a great side effect if you are trying to be sexy and trim).

Unfortunately there is no ideal medication for weight loss and these drugs should not be a replacement for changes in your eating habits or life style. When combined with an exercise program these drugs do help you lose weight. Remember, while all these drug to help you shed of a few pounds, you will rapidly gain the weight back on if you stop exercising.

Before you consider weight loss drugs, see if you can change your life style by eating healthy and incorporating exercise. If you can maintain these changes, then you may not even need to use these drugs.

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