Drugs are to be used as a last resort to lose weight. Diet pills have to be used:

• When the Body Mass Index is within 30 to 40.
• If dieting and exercise are not giving positive results
• If there are other health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular problems associated to overweight.

Diet pills act by curbing the appetite. This reduces the amount of food intake and hence the number of calories absorbed. All these effects if put together will result in weight reduction. As they curb the appetite they can be used while starting a weight management regime to rise above overeating. Some of the diet pills if used for a very long time are found to cause dangerous side effects. Thus one has to be very careful while selecting diet pills. It is suggested to select pills that are natural and safe without any risks.

Most of the drugs used to reduce weight are not approved by FDA except for the two drugs Sibutramine and Orlistat. Phentermine is another drug approved for short term usage. Alli is a low- strength version of Orlistat and is approved for usage by adults 18 years and above. These too have certain side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, dry mouth and constipation. Orlistat is found to reduce the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. It is recommended to use vitamin supplements while using this drug. Regular use of Sibutramine results in rise of blood pressure. Hence, it is not recommended for people with heart diseases and those with history of uncontrolled blood pressure.

For people with health risks like diabetes, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, a combined usage of diet pills, regulated diet, regular physical activity is very helpful to lose weight. Though a very few pounds are lost, it would serve great purpose in reducing blood pressure, blood glucose levels and levels of certain hormones like insulin.

Diet pills have to be used under the guidance of a doctor. It is essential to consider the side effects, both short term and long term. If you are on other medications, have knowledge about the effect of these pills on them. Being a low concentrated drug, Alli is being used extensively. Like other weight loss pills it also works by reducing the amount of fat absorption. It specifically acts by inhibiting the action of enzyme lipase that is involved in fat breakdown. As a result fat remains undigested and is eliminated through bowel movements. Excess consumption of fat while using Alli will result in frequent and uncontrolled bowel movements and may be with oil spotting.

Most of these weight loss drugs are expensive. Very few insurance companies provide coverage for these drugs. Thus one should have knowledge about the coverage for these drugs before planning to use them; otherwise alternative arrangements have to be made.

Whatever the diet pills you use the effects are only temporary. One will regain all the lost pounds after discontinuing the pills if they do not follow good dietary habits and physical exercises. These pills can only give you a helping hand but are not the replacements for dieting and exercises.

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