At present there are many drugs in the market for weight loss. Patients from all walks of life come to clinics in search of medication which is going to make them thinner without any effort. No exercise, no dieting. It seems like the perfect and obvious choice. But is it? What about the side effects of these medications? Would it do more harm than good?
For the answer, we may have to go a little bit into the history of weight loss medications. In the 90's, a popular medication for weight loss was commonly prescribed. It was called “phen-fen” and composed of phentermine and fenfluramine. However, this drug was later recalled due to the side effects of the medication. It damaged the heart valves. Apparently, the component which was the problem in the combination was fenfluramine. Phentermine on its own did not appear to have the same effect.
Currently, the more well-known weight loss medications available in the market are Reductil/Meridia(Sibutramine) and Xenical.
For the answer, we may have to go a little bit into the history of weight loss medications. In the 90's, a popular medication for weight loss was commonly prescribed. It was called “phen-fen” and composed of phentermine and fenfluramine. However, this drug was later recalled due to the side effects of the medication. It damaged the heart valves. Apparently, the component which was the problem in the combination was fenfluramine. Phentermine on its own did not appear to have the same effect.
Currently, the more well-known weight loss medications available in the market are Reductil/Meridia(Sibutramine) and Xenical.
Xenical is a prescription drug used to both help people lose weight and keep weight gain from returning. It comes in capsule form and is taken with each fat-containing meal. Xenical works by inhibiting the action of enzymes that break down fat, thereby reducing fat absorption by the body. Side effects include gas, stomach pain, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
Xenical is made by Roche Pharmaceuticals. Xenical works by decreasing the absorption of fat from your diet. The stomach and intestine have enzymes, called lipases, that break down fat into smaller molecules which are then absorbed from your digestive tract. Xenical binds to lipases and inhibits their activity, helping to decrease fat absorption. The medication does not have any effect on carbohydrates or protein.
Xenical is made by Roche Pharmaceuticals. Xenical works by decreasing the absorption of fat from your diet. The stomach and intestine have enzymes, called lipases, that break down fat into smaller molecules which are then absorbed from your digestive tract. Xenical binds to lipases and inhibits their activity, helping to decrease fat absorption. The medication does not have any effect on carbohydrates or protein.
