Get the Skinny on Diet Drugs
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| Tue, 08-09-2005 - 12:37pm |
Do weight-loss drugs really work?
I’ve tried to lose weight by changing my diet and exercising, but haven’t had any success. Are these drugs safe?
By Colleen Brady
First published in Chatelaine’s September 2005 issue
© Rogers Publishing Ltd.
If you think you need to lose weight, you should first talk to your doctor about a program of diet and exercise. If the regimen she recommends doesn't show results within six months or so, you may want to ask her about weight-loss drugs. These can have serious side effects, however, and should be taken only if your doctor approves them.
Over-the-counter
There are lots of over-the-counter diet medications available, but I don't recommend them. Very few studies have been done to prove they are safe or that they even work. They may be helpful initially, but will not result in long-term fat loss.
The herbal product ephedra (also known as ma huang) contains the stimulant ephedrine. Health Canada warns against using weight-loss products containing ephedra and has also put out a consumer warning for a similar product, Thermonex, which contains the stimulant synephrine. Both drugs stimulate your central nervous system and heart. Side effects include insomnia, nervousness and high blood pressure - and these drugs can be deadly. They absolutely should not be used by people with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma or thyroid problems, among other conditions. Again, consult your doctor.
Diuretic herbs such as alfalfa leaves, juniper berries and elderflower rid the body of excess fluid and may help to shed pounds initially. But if used long-term, they may rob your body of the potassium it needs to make your muscles - including your heart - work properly. They can also interact with other medications. A "natural" remedy isn't necessarily a safe alternative.
There is, however, a natural product with minimal risk factors: dietary fibre supplements, such as Benefiber or Metamucil. When consumed prior to a meal, these products absorb water and increase bulk in your stomach, making you feel full. Make sure to take them with lots of water and be aware that you may experience side effects such as cramping, bloating and gas.
Doctor's orders
Prescription weight-loss drugs such as Meridia (sibutramine), Ionamin (phentermine) and Xenical (orlistat) have been shown to be effective when combined with a diet and exercise program. Phentermine and sibutramine stimulate the part of your brain that makes you feel full, so you eat less. Side effects of both include insomnia, dizziness and heart palpitations. You should tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these reactions. On average, these drugs result in a loss of five to 15 per cent of your total body weight. Visit your doctor regularly so she can monitor your progress and watch out for any side effects.
Pharmacist Colleen Brady practises in Vancouver and is a lecturer in the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of British Columbia.

