Answers to Everyday Questions : What do you all think of dieting pills?

What do you all think of dieting pills?

17 Responses to “What do you all think of dieting pills?”

1. katie d said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 12:56 am

   i dont believe diet pills work, they are a waste of money. tests on them show if there is actually an ingredient in them which cud reduce your weight its in such small doses there is no way it could have effect. save your money and join a gym
2. western new york said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 1:53 am

   Drugs used for weight loss are called anorexiants. Obesity is a complex disorder, and the therapies and drugs (prescription, over-the-counter supplements, herbs, medicines, etc.) discussed here are to be taken only under the supervision of a qualified physician, and as part of an overall weight loss program that includes diet, exercise, and psychological and lifestyle supportive counseling. Our discussion of diet pills addresses the following five categories:

   Over-the-counter diet pills: Preparations containing phenylpropanolamine (e.g., Acutrim, Dexatrim) in dosages of 75 mg or higher have been known to increase blood pressure to dangerous levels and even cause stroke. Herbal preparations such as Phen-Fen, Phen-Cal, or PhenTrim contain ephedrine, derived from the ephedra (also known as Ma Huang) herb, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels, possibly leading to psychotic behavior, Seizures, heart attack, stroke, and death.
   Supplements, laxatives, and dietary teas: Preparations containing “plantain” may adversely affect heart rate and cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rate and rhythm. As a result of their actions, these substances may cause excess fluid loss and loss of important Electrolytes (e.g., Potassium), which in certain individuals (e.g., elderly, those with kidney or heart disease) may be very dangerous and even fatal. Overuse and abuse of these agents may be addictive and lead to gastrointestinal problems such as Constipation and chronic abdominal pain.

   Prescription diet pills (standard): Such drugs are available only through a doctor’s prescription, and work in a variety of ways. Some work by increasing the availability of serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that affects mood (prevents Depression) and reduces Calorie consumption, and imparts a sense of “well being.” In addition, serotonin reduces cravings for complex carbohydrates and curbs the appetite. The best-known examples of prescription medicines used to control obesity are:

   Dexfenfluramine (Redux)

   Fenfluramine (Pondimin), combined with another anti-obesity drug called phentermine (Phentrol, Fastin, Ionamin, Adipex), prevents the body from absorbing dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in the sensation of being energized, while reducing the craving for sugar. Most of these drugs have been removed from the market (however, Fastin, Ionamin, Adipex, are still available) because of reports of heart problems (damage to the valves of the heart) and lung problems (i.e., pulmonary hypertension). Studies are under way to determine whether these valvular abnormalities will eventually reverse after the drug is withdrawn. The risks are highest in patients taking the drugs for long periods, or in high doses. Consumption for two to three months appears to do no harm. Patients treated with Pondimin, Redux, or phen-fenfluramine for more than three months may need to have a complete examination of the heart and lungs (including an Echocardiogram), if recommended by their primary physician, or if they have signs and symptoms of heart or lung disease. Patients on an antidepressant from the family of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, or antidepressants from the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOIs) may be at increased risk for dangerous side effects if they take these antidepressant with the diet drugs mentioned above.

   Newer prescription drugs:

   Sibutramine (Meridia), which works by keeping brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin and norepinephrine in balance, increases metabolism and has been shown to result in significant weight loss. Sibutramine also causes an increase in energy levels and a feeling of fullness. Side effects include dry mouth and Insomnia, High Blood Pressure, and some abnormal heart rhythms. Experts recommend that those with High Blood Pressure, heart disease or stroke, and those on medications such as decongestants, Asthma drugs (bronchodilators), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or SSRI antidepressants, should avoid Sibutramine.

   Orlistat (Xenical) is related to Olestra, a fat substitute (introduced in some food products such as potato chips), and acts by slowing down the production of Lipase, an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down fat. Orlistat does not suppress the appetite, but instead blocks absorption of about one-third of the fat consumed. A recent study indicated that when 892 obese adults were put on weight-loss diets, counseled on exercise, and assigned to one of two groups for a year, the group given Orlistat lost an average of 19 pounds, compared with about 12 pounds among those given a placebo (dummy pills). Furthermore, during the second year, patients who continued on Orlistat gained back half as much weight as the patients who switched to a dummy pill. The drug can cause gastrointestinal problems (gas, oily loose stools, and cramping) and may interfere with absorption of vitamins A, D, and E, so vitamin supplements are recommended.

   In the past, amphetamines such as Methamphetamine (Desoxyn), Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and phenmetrazine (Pleudin) were used for weight loss, but they are no longer prescribed due to serious side effects and risk of addiction. Less addictive and possibly safer derivatives of these drugs include benzphetamine (Didrex), diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine (Adipost, Botril, Melfiat, Plegine, Prelu-2, Statobex), and mazindol (Mazanor, Sanorex).

   Experimental Therapies:

   The drug naltrexone (Trexan) blocks the euphoria experienced by drug abusers, and is being tested for people who binge-eat. Preliminary results from an early study examining the genetically-engineered drug leptin reported that patients on the highest dose lost 8% of their body weight after six months, and that the drug was well-tolerated.

   A steroid known as dexamethasone can double the concentration of leptin in the blood, suggesting that it may prove to be an effective drug in the treatment of obesity.

   In a recent study, treatment with a combination of growth hormone and an Insulin-like substance was shown to improve fat loss when added to diet and exercise in postmenopausal obese women. The drug is administered via self-injection, and can cause water retention and swelling (edema). Further studies need to be conducted before safe recommendations can be made.
3. Fader's Girl said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 2:13 am

   lazy way out

   they make you dehydrated its water you lose from your body not fat, just eat fruit for snacka not crisps, chocolate etc, and walk/jog for half hour to an hour a day.

   choice of a lift or steps, take the steps. you feel better in yourself knowing only you lost your weight, not some chemicals in pills.
4. Bourne said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 2:16 am

   Pills are for sick people.. if you need to lose a bit of weight eat less and exercise more..
5. Nicki said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 2:18 am

   I dont think diet pills are a good idea…..they are really not very healthy for your body plus in Spain i wouldnt be too sure on the medicine out there you never know…..
6. WonderWoman said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 2:20 am

   I’m against all diet pills!!! Too many side effects and possible long term health problems. Just do the natural gradual way….
7. alan555 said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 2:43 am

   they work in a way because they make u aware of what you are eating and this is how you lose the weight by sticking to a strict diet. try them for a month while practising a healthy diet then give them up and stick to eating healthy.
   in my opinion i think there fake and make a lot of money for companies producing them.
8. mamsy0 said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 2:59 am

   they dont work. at frist you think they do but dont leave well alone as they can be dangers to your systerm. keeping to a healthy diet is best and sticking to it
9. Scratch-N-Sniff said :
   September 10th, 2010 at 3:20 am

   It’s spelled KNOW not now.
10. sheri said :
    September 10th, 2010 at 4:13 am

    i dont trust those diet pills coz i dont really know the ingredients though it is been printed on the bottle.it contains too much chemicals which indirectly give side effects.however i do eat those kinds of herbs or ayurvedic kind of medicine.
11. Dr Simon said :
    September 10th, 2010 at 4:20 am

    Hi Katie

    If ADIOS worked for you then thats great – stick with those.

    BUT, the more serious prescriprion diet pills have very serious implications and must only be used as a last resort under a doctors supervision.

    Prescription diet pills often cause more problems then they solve – trust me.
12. Ankleboots said :
    September 10th, 2010 at 4:29 am

    i dont believe in diet pills or dieting just cut your sugar salt, fat intake, excersise more eat 6 small snacks a day, include five vegetables five pieces of fruit a day, drink lots of water you will lose weight
13. DARREN L said :
    September 10th, 2010 at 4:34 am

    My field is in fashion, as a result many people ask me how they can slim down. My answer is always the same: good diet and exercise. But I found this great product which I think helps a lot in the process. I recommend you check this website
    http://www.easy-diet-fun-now.us , they have a free trial and you only pay $4.95 shipping and handling. Good luck!
14. Sergio H said :
    September 10th, 2010 at 4:57 am

    Hi,

    I’ve tried so many different diets in the last 10 years that I can say now, they don’t work!
    A few months ago, I came across a great product for weight loss and like many others I was skeptical about it. But I really wanted to lose weight and I tried it. The results were excellent and I lost 20 pounds in 2 months. I felt fantastic and I dropped another 5 pounds safely. That’s why I recommend you check this product at
    http://www.easy-diet-fit.us where they have a free trial and you only pay $4.95 shipping and handling.
    Good luck!
15. xjo-dx said :
    September 10th, 2010 at 5:13 am

    No diet pills work.
    They say to be used with a balanced diet.
    In theory the balanced diet is making you lose weight not the tablets which you think.
16. dncr151 said :
    September 10th, 2010 at 5:22 am

    i think diet pills are cheating! go on a diet and stop being so pathetic!!
17. Kristin G said :
    September 10th, 2010 at 5:24 am

    some work, some don’t be careful, read of reviews of the top 3 diet pills here:
    http://weightlossamp.com/products/diet-pills-reviewed.html