Interested in Weight-Loss Drugs? Read Our Post First

Sometimes our determination to lose weight can drive us down the wrong path. Many people turn to weight-loss drugs but are they actually effective?
Interested in Weight-Loss Drugs? Read Our Post First

Last update: 25 July, 2019

Even though magic solutions or quick, effortless tricks raise red flags, many people still decide to try weight-loss drugs. But despite their claims, weight-loss drugs won’t fix everything. In our post today, we’ll fill you in on what to consider before taking weight-loss drugs.

Weight-loss drugs: do they actually work?

We see them at stores and pharmacies as well as in ads all over TVs, magazines and the Internet. Weight-loss drugs seem a great solution to slim down. The ads show before and after transformations, amazing us with how much weight the subject actually lost by using a product.

One thing leads to another and we buy the product for ourselves and wait for the same results. Many manufacturers claim that their products contain plants and other natural ingredients that aren’t harmful while helping consumers to lose weight fast and naturally.

In addition, they also advertise that their products not only burn fat but control appetite and boost energy levels too. Why–everyone should be taking them!

Then, we put all of our hopes and dreams in them hoping to finally drop the weight in time for our next vacation or to finally have that perfect stomach. Sound familiar?

Types of weight-loss drugs

You can find a great variety of weight-loss pills on the market that promise to slim you down in record time with minimal effort. The most common sorts are:

1. Diuretics and laxatives

Diuretics and laxatives make you go to the bathroom. They eliminate toxins through urine and flatten your stomach by stimulating your bowels. But contrary to what most people believe, they actually don’t help you to slim down.

weight loss drugs laxatives

2. Weight-loss drugs: anti-obesity medication

These medications release a substance called lipase, which reportedly rejects fats, blocking them from settling into the body.

3. Appetite suppressants are weight-loss drugs

Appetite suppressants contain high amounts of fiber that keep you feeling full and thus, hunger off your mind. But, the bad part is that your body needs all kinds of nutrients and liquids–and your body will miss out on them. Additionally, the ingredients in these drugs often interfere with gut flora.

Before you start taking a weight-loss drug…

Have you tried several diets with no luck nor idea of what to do next? While all those failed attempts might lead you to consider weight-loss drugs, read over our advice before you start:

1. Talk with a nutritionist

A medical professional will tell you if weight-loss drugs are appropriate in your case. He or she can also inform you of different weight-loss methods. Don’t put your health on the line with strict and restrictive diets or consume laxatives or other drugs in excess. Talk with a doctor about losing weight.

2. Weight-loss drugs: take advertisements with a grain of salt

When something’s too good to be true, it probably is. Many of the products that are advertised in pharmacies or online claim to be the only true contender.

But we actually have no idea what’s behind the success that they’re selling (the before and after). The success could have been a result of different treatments or even surgery. Remember that manufacturers play with your depression, dissatisfaction, and desperation. Don’t fall into their traps!

3. Only for diagnosed obesity

Are you just a few pounds shy of your goal weight? If that’s your case, then weight-loss drugs aren’t for you. These drugs are mainly used for cases of obesity or clinically-diagnosed weight problems where patients suffer resulting anxieties.

weight loss drugs obesity

4. Weight-loss drugs: pair with a good diet

Weight-loss pills aren’t the only part in a weight-loss plan. They need to go hand-in-hand with a healthy and balanced diet. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake, add beans and nuts to your meal plan and don’t forget to drink at least two liters of water a day.

Stop and think: if weight-loss really came in pills, everyone would already be thin. But that’s not the case, is it? Magic solutions just don’t exist. If you want to lose weight, you have to make the effect of dieting and exercising. No matter how hard advertisers sell it, there’s no such thing as fast weight-loss miracles.

 

 


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Howard-Nize, F., Unido, R., & Amzallag, W. (2000). Trabajo de revisión de perder peso, al control del peso: experiencia de un programa. Revista Cubana de Investigaciones Biomédicas.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.