Are weight loss pills the answer to a new waistline?

The answer is that it depends. Over the counter weight loss pills or those you find on the internet are not usually a good idea. Generally, they haven’t been regulated or properly tested and the results that they claim to achieve are often exaggerated. These medications could also be very dangerous as some drugs which have been banned by the administration are still available on the internet including ones linked to heart attacks.

However, weight loss pills administered by your doctor may help in your battle to shed excess pounds. They work by helping to regulate your brain chemicals thus preventing you from thinking constantly about dieting. They are not a quick fix method though as they rarely account for over 10% of the weight you do lose. They can help increase your motivation and get you back on track particularly if you had reached a plateau.

But don’t expect your doctor to issue this medication without first examining you thoroughly to check for any underlying health problems. He also will not be happy to write a prescription unless you can prove that you have tried other methods to lose weight. He will expect you to be following a healthy eating plan together with an exercise program. Medical practitioners will generally only issue these pills when the risks to your health from being obese are higher than the risks associated with these drugs.

If you find your weight has increased as a result of being on medication, you should speak to your doctor. People who are obese can get caught in a catch 22 situation in that they suffer from illnesses like diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure as a result of being overweight. Yet the drugs used to treat these conditions can increase your appetite and suppress your metabolism thus leading to you gaining more pounds. If this is happening to you, you need to ask to be referred to a medical practitioner who specializes in obesity. These doctors will be able to prescribe alternative drugs that will manage your medical condition without causing your waistline to expand any further.

Whatever you do, do not be tempted to take laxatives instead of weight loss pills. These may help you to lose pounds in the short term but over the long term you can become addicted and could potentially end up very ill.

The best combination is a new healthy eating program combined with moderate exercise. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. You simply need to make better food choices for example skipping the cakes, deserts and candy and eating more fruit and vegetables. Cooking your own meals instead of relying on fast food deliveries or processed ready meals will also reduce your calorie intake.

Weight loss pills may seem like the answer to your prayers and they may even help you to lose the extra pounds. But they cease working once you stop taking them so unless you change your overall lifestyle, you may just find that you will again need those plus size clothes.