Do we need to resort to drugs for weight loss
Obesity often requires long-term treatment to encourage and maintain weight loss. Like the Usage of prescription medications for Chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, weight loss drugs may be suitable for some people. Weight loss drugs can really make a difference for some people, but it must blend with lifestyle modifications that include diet and weight loss tips and exercise to lose and successfully maintain in the long run. Adverse effects of prescription medications for obesity are generally mild, and in certain cases serious complications have been reported .Keep in mind that these drugs are not a quick-fix cure-all medication. Currently, most available weight-loss medications approved by the FDA are for short-term use, meaning a few weeks or months.
Most popular fast weight loss medications are appetite-suppressant medications. These includes Didrex, mazindol, Bontril ,Adipex-P, and Meridia. These medications generally come in the form of pills or pills that release medication over a long period of time called extended release capsules. Appetite suppressants or anorectics support weight loss by duping the body to believe that it is not hungry. The decrease in appetite is due to increase of serotonin and catecholamine the two brain chemicals that affect the appetite. Appetite suppressants can be obtained s prescription medication or can be purchased OTC.
Generally appetite-suppressant medications have amphetamines. Amphetamines are used to suppress hunger as a result of inhibition of hypothalamic feeding center. High doses may result in euphoria and marked excitement which may progress to confusion.
Mazindol: This is chemically unrelated to amphetamines. This is an indole derivative and potent anorectic. It has been claimed to have additional peripheral effect of increasing the metabolic rate. It is long acting and produces stimulant side effects as well as drowsiness and lethargy. Intermittent use is recommended.
Dosage: 1 mg BD
Doctors also prescribed the appetite suppressant phen-fen, which is the combination of phentermine and fenfluramine. Recently echocardiographic abnormalities, valvular defects and pulmonary hypertension have been related to combined formulation related fenfluramin: the US-FDA has ordered withdrawal of fenfluramine. But Phentermine is still available by prescription as phentermine has not been reported with the any adverse health effects
Fenfluramine: It has tranquilizing rather than stimulant property and appears to act by increasing serotenergic transmission in the brain while amphetamine and mazindol act primarily on NA/DA pathways.
Dexfenfluramine: It is the dextroisomer of fenfluramine; has similar mechanism of action. However, its tolerability profile appears to be better and in Europe it has been approved to use up to 1 year.
Fat absorption inhibitor is another type of prescription medication used in weight loss drug therapy. Xenical is the only drug approved for use in the U.S by FDA. It blocks about 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed from the food. Xenical is the only weight-loss medication permitted for longer-term use. The safety and efficiency have not been established for usage of longer periods of time.
New weight loss drugs are under clinical studies show greater promises as potential treatments for obesity and may be available in the market in the near future.