Friday, November 30, 2012

Prescription and Over-the-counter Weight Loss Products

While healthy lifestyle changes like diet and exercise is the secret to healthy weight loss, some people find losing weight a big struggle despite making these lifestyle modifications. These people find some help and respite in using weight loss products to help them lose weight.

As there are quite a few of these products in the market, the best way to find the right product to use is by understanding the differences between prescription and over-the-counter products and their possible side effects.

Over the counter products

If you are thinking of using an over-the-counter weight loss product, look for something that seems to be safe to use like conjugated linoleic acid. This ingredient not only helps promote weight loss and build muscles, but is also safe to use. Even Alli, a weaker version of the prescription weight loss product Orlistat, is another weight loss product that is effective and safe to use.

Approved prescription products

There are some FDA approved prescription weight loss products that are safe and effective to use to help you lose weight. However the only long-term weight loss product that is safe to use is Orlistat that limits the amount of fat the body absorbs. It can however lead to abdominal discomfort and oily spotting.

There are also prescription drugs that contain diethylpropion and phentermine which help reduce weight by suppressing your appetite. They can be used continuously for 12 weeks to induce weight loss and may at times lead to side effects like increased blood pressure and heart rate, dizziness and sleep issues.

Prescription weight loss product for those with a high BMI

If you are thinking of getting a prescription weight loss product, you have to first meet your doctor's criteria. These drugs are prescribed only for those with a body mass index that is higher than 30 or if it is higher than 27 and you have weight related health problems like diabetes. Besides, before prescribing these drugs, your doctor will also evaluate any medications you take to ensure there are no interactions between your medication and the prescribed weight loss product.

Though there are so many safe weight loss products in the market, you have to avoid some dangerous products like country mallow. Though it helps reduce your appetite and increase your body metabolism, FDA banned country mallow for safety reasons. Even ephedra is considered unsafe to use as though it helps reduce your appetite, FDA has banned it.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...