Slimming pills (or diet pills) and weight loss products can be sold as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or available as prescription medicines. Most of the over the counter slimming pills or weight loss products make claims that they are effective but their claims are not backed-up by scientific evidence. In fact, these weight loss products need to be taken in conjunction with other measures such as exercise and fasting diet. Some of these products are based on herbs.

There are only three types of prescription medicines that can help obese or overweight patients to loose weight.

Over The Counter Products (OTC)

Slimming products that can be bought without a prescription often come with recommendations that you follow a calorie-controlled diet and take more exercise. Most of these pills or products do not have enough information about their ingredients and how they help you lose weight. They can also be very expensive.

When Taking Over the counter Diet Pills/Weight Loss Products

1.Check that the product you are going to buy is registered with the regulatory authority.
2.Some of the products (including herbal products) may also cause adverse effects. Make sure you do not have other medical conditions if you want to try these products.
3.Read the label carefully and do not take more than the listed dose.
These products are licensed as either OTC, traditional or cosmetics product; therefore they are not allowed to make certain claims such as “stops fat from being absorbed” or “speeds up metabolism”. If you find these claims being made on the packaging or product insert, report it to the regulating authority.
4.Ephedra is a herb that was commonly incorporated in slimming products but has now been banned because of its adverse effects. It is a myth that herbal slimming products are safe. Beware of anything that you take even if recommended by your friends as being safe and effective.
6.Avoid slimming products which:
*Promote rapid weight loss and promise quick results
*Suggest that you do not need to change your diet or exercise.
*Fail to recommend a dietary advice; and worse still encourage you to eat anything.

Prescription Medicines

Prescription medicines are licensed as treatment of obesity. Two types of licensed medicines are:

1.Anti-obesity medicines (AOM) that act on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), namely:
*Orlistat

2.And, centrally acting appetite suppressants, namely
*Sibutramine

*Phentermine

Obesity is associated with many medical and health problems. These include diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases. The main treatment for obesity is a suitable diet, which should be explained carefully, with full support and encouragement; and increase in physical activity.

Antiobesity medicines are being considered only for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more. A BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more is appropriate if an individual also has other risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease; which depends on consultation with a doctor.

Medicines should never be used alone; and monitoring of the individual’s weight on a regular basis should be conducted. Treatment with medicine should be discontinued if weight loss is less than 5% after the first 12 weeks or if the individual gain weight at any time, whilst on treatment. Combination therapy is contraindicated.

General Information

Take your medicines exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your medication label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Storage Conditions

Keep your medicine in its original container tightly closed. Store at room temperature and keep away from children, excess healt or moisture. Throw away medicines which have expired or are spoiled. Ask your pharmacist the correct way to dispose your medicine.

Remember, personal health care is important to prevent any common diseases and better living.

Related Posts