Prescription weight loss pills - are they worth it?

As obesity has become a major health issue, prescription weight loss pills compete with over the counter pills on the modern weight loss market. The choice facing the overweight population is one of quality, safety and results.

These factors raise health questions of their own. Which one is safer? Which one is best in terms of effectiveness? Which one will give the best possible results? Let us show you the pros and cons of prescription weight loss medicines.

Prescription weight loss pills are actually medications rather than weight loss supplements. Please bear in mind that these medications are not a cure-all. If you are using prescription weight loss medications, you should combine them with proper diet and moderate daily exercise in order to lose unwanted weight (and keep it off).

Do I need to use prescription weight loss pills?

You should use prescription medicine only under a physician's supervision. Doctors recommend the use of prescription pills in 2 circumstances:

1. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or above and you have no obesity-related condition or
2. If your BMI is 27 or above and you do have obesity-related condition

Types of prescription weight loss medications

If you are in one of these categories your physician will prescribe either appetite suppressant or fat absorption inhibitor.

• Appetite-suppressants are the most common prescription weight loss medications. Some of the most popular are: Didrex, Tenuate, Sanorex, Mazanor, Apidex-P, Ionamin, Bontril and Meridia. These drugs essentially trick your body by sending a message to the brain that your stomach is full. You don’t get hungry.
  
  The drugs increase the amount of serotonin or catecholamine in the brain. These 2 chemicals control your mood and appetite. Appetite-suppressant drugs usually come in either normal or extended-release capsules. The natural alternative to this type of pills is UniqueHoodia natural appetite suppressant.
• Fat absorption inhibitors block fat from being absorbed into the body. This is a recently approved medication and there is only one brand in the market- Xenical. The natural alternative to this type of pills is Proactol Fat Binder.

Do prescription weight loss pills work?

Currently, there are no clinical studies that have determined the long term effects of these drugs.

No one really knows the long term effects of these drugs or even the full extent of their side effects. However, when these medicines are used, they will reduce serious health risks in the short term.

Among the products that have been tested, Meridia and Xenical have been shown to be moderately effective. These pills have helped users lose 5-22 pounds over a 1-year period. This is more than you might expect from a non-drug treatment.

Only your doctor can determine proper dosages. It is important that you consult your physician about the proper prescriptions and regimes to meet your individual needs. Under these circumstances, expect maximum weight loss within the first 6 months of your program.

What are the risks of prescription medications?

All prescription medicines carry potential risks. Long term usage may cause:

• Addiction - All prescription obesity medications (except Xenical) are controlled substances. Your doctor is required to follow specific procedures when prescribing these medications because they are addictive.
• Tolerance - Many people have stated that they stopped losing weight after 6 months of using prescription weight loss medications. It is not clear whether this indicates a tolerance for the drugs or that the medication has reached the limit of its effectiveness.
• Side effects - Most side effects of prescription medications are mild, but there can be severe and unpleasant side effects. Side effects usually subside as your body becomes accustomed to them. Still, there have been reports of possible serious and even fatal side effects.

What side effects can prescription diet pills have?

Possible side effects of prescription weight loss pills include the possibility that the effects will wear off after a short period of use. Additionally, there may be some uncomfortable side effects such as:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Excessive thirst
• Light-headedness
• Drowsiness
• Stuffy nose
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Dry mouth

Specific known side effects by a certian pill are listed below:

• Xenical (Orlistat) - Abdominal cramping, passing gas, leakage of oily stool, increased number of bowel movements
• Meridia (Sibutramine) - Increased blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, constipation... Meridia is not recommended for those with poorly controlled high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or a history of stroke.
• Adipex-P (Phentermine) - Nervousness, sleeplessness, mood changes

Are prescription medications for you?

You are at a decision point now. Should you or should you not go for prescription weight loss pills?

Keep in mind - there are better alternatives. We will explore them shortly.

But before you move on, consider following important points about prescription weight loss pills:

• Their use has not been clinically tested nor evaluated for the long term
• Their ingredients are synthetic, perhaps not safe.
• They promote unhealthy ways of losing weight (i.e. artificial appetite suppressants)
• These medicines are highly controlled substances requiring a doctor's supervision
• You may not be able to use them if you suffer from some medical conditions
• There are potential risks including addiction, tolerance and side effects
• Stopping use may lead to regaining weight

Are there better alternatives to prescription weight loss medications?

Yes - all-natural weight loss pills are a safe alternative to chemical prescription medications. Natural weight loss supplements have no side effects and are safe for any long term weight loss plan.

With so many natural weight loss pills available, one can reduce the risk of taking prescription medicines which can be harmful to your body.

One such product is UniqueHoodia - all-natural appetite suppressant pill. Based on a well-known plant from South Africa, Hoodia Gordonii, this supplement will help you effectively suppress your appetite every single day, leading to weight loss that you desire so much.

UniqueHoodia has been proven to help you reduce your caloric intake by 2,000 calories per day and it is 10,000 times better than glucose at suppressing your appetite.

Read More About UniqueHoodia and Discover What Wonderful Things It Can Do For You!