Weight Loss Drugs Harm Weight loss drugs are medical treatments that aim to help individuals lose weight by affecting appetite, fat absorption, or increasing metabolic rate. These drugs are often prescribed to people who are obese or who find it difficult to lose weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise. Many people turn to weight loss drugs as a quick and effective solution to get rid of excess weight, especially if they suffer from health problems related to obesity. Some believe that these drugs provide an easy way to achieve the ideal weight without the need for major lifestyle changes. However, these drugs may have potential side effects, and we will learn about these harms through Dalili Medical

**Can we rely on drugs alone to lose weight?**

 

We cannot rely on weight loss pills alone, but they must be accompanied by a balanced and moderate-calorie diet, in addition to regular physical activity and avoiding stress.

**Do weight loss drugs affect the menstrual cycle?**

 

Yes, weight loss drugs can affect the menstrual cycle, as a sudden change in weight may affect its regularity. It is known that slimming and fat burning drugs may cause irregular menstrual cycles, because a decrease in body fat to less than 17% can lead to a lack of menstrual cycles.

**Groups that need slimming drugs**

Nutritionists prescribe slimming drugs to some individuals and not others, and determine the appropriate period for them to take the drug. These categories include:

- People whose body mass index is more than 30.
- People whose body mass index is more than 27 and suffer from health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

When do slimming capsules become addictive?

 

Sometimes, individuals with eating disorders do not realize the risks associated with slimming drugs, as they see them as a quick solution to weight loss. The transition to addiction begins when the following signs appear:

- Taking a dose larger than the recommended amount.
- Using products that are not intended for people of normal weight.
- Taking more than one medication at the same time.
- Not consulting a doctor before purchasing and using slimming drugs.

**How ​​to choose the best weight loss drug?**

 

Choosing the best weight loss drug depends largely on several factors, including:

- The person's age.
- The health problems he suffers from.
- The degree of obesity.
- The individual's preferences and desires.

**Mechanism of action of weight loss drugs**

When searching for weight loss drugs in pharmacies, a person may find many different types of drugs and nutritional supplements that claim to help in losing weight. Weight loss drugs usually contain one or more active ingredients.

As for the mechanism of action of weight loss drugs, they claim to include one or more of the following methods:

- Reducing appetite and increasing the feeling of satiety, which helps reduce the amount of calories consumed.
- Reducing the absorption of fat, which contributes to reducing the calories the body obtains.
- Increasing fat burning, as weight loss drugs work to stimulate metabolism and burn fat to obtain calories.

**Features of slimming pills**

Slimming pills, of all types, have several benefits, including:

- They help individuals who have difficulty losing weight despite exercising and following a balanced diet, to start their weight loss journey and reach their desired weight.

- Their effect in reducing appetite contributes to rapid weight loss without feeling deprived.

- They allow weight loss while resting, without the need for great physical effort.

- They provide many positive benefits, as they improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and help maintain blood pressure within normal rates.

Types of slimming drugs available in the market

 

There are a variety of slimming drugs on the market, each of which works on a different side. For example:

**Appetite-reducing drugs:**

These drugs directly affect the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which affects the brain and gives a feeling of fullness and satiety.

It is important not to use these medications without medical supervision, as some of them may lead to addiction, while others can pose a risk to the blood supply to the heart, causing symptoms of angina.

Doctors usually do not recommend using these medications for long periods, and they are often prescribed only in cases of extreme obesity.

**Medications that reduce fat absorption:**

 

These medications work primarily to prevent the absorption of fats from food in the small intestine within the digestive system, and do not affect the absorption of carbohydrates. These medications contribute to maintaining the lost weight, as they help to a limited extent in reducing weight when adhering to a diet and exercising. The most prominent of these medications is Orlistat.

**Medications for treating diabetes patients:**

 

These medications are mainly used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes, and help in losing weight in several ways, including:

- Reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
- Increasing the muscles' use of glucose.
- Enhancing the body's natural response to the effect of insulin.

**Medications that slow down the movement of the digestive system:**

 

These medications work to slow down the movement of the intestines, which leads to prolonging the feeling of fullness and reducing the feeling of hunger. It is similar in composition to the hormone "GLP-1", which some obese patients suffer from a deficiency of.

This drug is primarily intended to treat type 2 diabetes patients, but it does not contribute to weight loss in all cases. Among the well-known drugs in this field are "Exenatide" and "Liraglutide".

As for drugs that enhance the burning process, they are among the most common drugs in the pharmaceutical market in recent years. Most of these drugs rely on high doses of herbs or plants such as green coffee and green tea,In addition to the Garcinia plant, which contributes to lowering blood cholesterol levels.

These drugs help a little in reducing weight at the beginning of use, but their effect is not sustainable in the long term. Studies have shown that they may cause negative effects on many body systems, including the heart, nervous system, digestive system, and even on human mental abilities.

Can weight loss drugs be used for children or adolescents?

 

Most weight loss drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration are intended for adults only, as they are prohibited for use in children and adolescents. However, there are some drugs such as Orlistat that have been approved for use in children starting at the age of 12.

Are weight loss drugs alone sufficient to treat obesity?

 

No, as weight loss drugs cannot replace physical activity or adherence to a healthy diet. These drugs work best when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise.

Does weight gain occur after stopping weight loss drugs?

 

Yes, the body usually tends to regain some of the lost weight when you stop taking weight loss medications, especially if you return to an unhealthy diet rich in fat and increased calories, in addition to stopping exercise.

Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before stopping taking weight loss medications, as he can develop an appropriate diet and provide advice on exercises that help maintain weight.

**Side effects of weight loss medications**

Slimming medications are associated with many side effects, which makes it necessary to educate individuals who want to use them and assess the potential risks associated with them.

Here are the most prominent risks associated with each of the weight loss medications, which are usually dispensed by prescription, knowing that not everyone necessarily suffers from these effects:

1. **Liraglutide**

This medication is given as an injection under the skin, and its common side effects include: diarrhea, constipation, gas, and heartburn.

As for the symptoms that require immediate consultation with a doctor, they are:

- Signs of dehydration, such as: dry mouth, thirst, and dizziness resulting from diarrhea or continuous vomiting.
- Signs of kidney problems, such as: change in urine output, yellowing of the eyes or skin, changes in mental or mood state, and increased heart rate.
- Signs of low blood sugar, such as: sweating, tremors, rapid heart rate, blurred vision, and tingling in the extremities.
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, and severe dizziness.

**2. Orlistat**

Orlistat is available in capsule form, and works to reduce the absorption of some of the fats in meals.

Common side effects of this medication include:

- Abdominal or back pain.
- Inability to control bowel movements.
- Leakage of oils from the intestines.
- Oily stools from the intestines.
- Gas.

Symptoms that require consulting a doctor include:

- Bladder pain.
- Body pain.
- Cough.
- Diarrhea.
- Chills.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Ear congestion.
- Nasal congestion or runny nose.
- Light-colored stools.
- Changes in urine.

**3. Bupropion and Naltrexone**

Bupropion and naltrexone are used together, as this medication helps reduce weight by suppressing appetite.

There are some common side effects that the body adapts to after a period of treatment, such as:

- Difficulty in defecation.
- Changes in the sense of taste.
- Increased sweating.

There are also some side effects and damages that require medical consultation, such as:

- Mood swings.
- Blurred vision.
- Tremors.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Blood in the urine or change in its color.
- Bladder pain.
4. Phentermine and Topiramate

Phentermine is combined with topiramate, and is available in the form of capsules, as it works to reduce appetite.

Common side effects include:

- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Indigestion.
- Tingling sensation in the extremities.

There are symptoms and damages that require immediate medical consultation, including:

- Convulsions.
- Low blood sugar.
- Mood changes.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Irregular heartbeat.

**Damages of dietary supplements for weight loss**

Many people believe that dietary or herbal supplements that do not require a prescription do not cause the damage that traditional weight loss drugs may cause, and this is a misconception. It is necessary to consult a doctor before using them, as they can pose significant health risks, and these supplements are often not subject to clinical trials.

Here are some common ingredients in these supplements and their potential damages:

 

- **Green tea extract**: High concentrations of green tea extract can lead to liver problems.

- **Hydroxycitric acid**: It is believed to cause problems with the heart, blood vessels, muscles and liver.

- **St. John's wort**: It is mainly used to treat depression, but it may interfere with many other medications.

- **Ephedra**: This substance has been banned because it causes heart problems, and it may be found in some unlicensed and banned supplements.

- **Chromium**: Chromium can be obtained from food, but taking it as an extract can cause serious harm.

**Weight Loss Drug Harm**

Some weight loss drugs can cause an increase in blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

**Rapid heartbeat**:

Some medications can cause a rapid heartbeat, which is dangerous for people with a history of heart problems.

**Diarrhea and constipation**:

Some medications can cause diarrhea or constipation as common side effects, which can be annoying For users.

**Nausea and vomiting:**

Nausea and vomiting are other side effects that may appear as a result of using some weight loss medications.

**Anxiety and stress:**

Some medications may lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress in users, which negatively affects their mental health.

**Depression:**

Some weight loss medications can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts in some individuals.

**Stomach infections:**

Some medications can lead to stomach infections, causing pain and digestive disorders.

**Stomach ulcers:**

Some weight loss medications can increase the risk of stomach ulcers due to their irritating effect on the stomach lining.

**Hepatitis:**

Some medications can cause inflammation or damage to the liver, which greatly affects the body's functions.

**Kidney failure:**

Some weight loss medications may lead to kidney failure when used for long periods or in high doses.

**Addiction and habituation:**

Some medications have addictive properties, which makes it difficult to stop using them without facing problems.

Tips for taking weight loss medications

Do not take any medications without consulting a doctor and make sure to take the doses on time.

Do not get carried away by what you see in the media or advertisements and stick to the type of weight loss medication that suits your condition only.

Ensure that you buy medications from a reliable source, especially online, and it is best to buy from reliable pharmacies.

Inform your doctor of any diseases you suffer from or medications you are taking to avoid any drug interactions or deterioration in your health.

Pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding women cannot take weight loss medications.

**Safe weight loss medications**

There are common medications that can be used without consulting a doctor and are considered safe, the most prominent of which are:

**Garcinia Cambogia Extract**

Garcinia Cambogia has achieved worldwide fame after appearing on the Dr. Oz in 2012. This extract works by blocking the enzyme that produces fat in the body and increasing serotonin levels, which may help reduce food cravings.

**Side effects:** There are no reports of serious side effects, but some people have reported mild gastrointestinal problems.

**Orlistat (Alli)**

Orlistat is one of the most popular weight loss medications, and it is available without a prescription under the name "Alli" and is also known as "Xenical". Orlistat works to reduce weight by preventing the breakdown of fat in the intestines, which leads to fewer calories consumed from fat.

**Side effects:** This medication has several gastrointestinal side effects, such as fatty stools, flatulence, and frequent bowel movements that may be difficult to control. It can also contribute to deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Green tea extract medicine

Green tea extract is a common ingredient in many weight loss medications, because several studies have shown that its main antioxidant, EGCG, helps burn fat. Green tea extract also increases the activity of norepinephrine, a hormone that helps burn fat. Side effects: Contains some caffeine, and may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to caffeine.