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Weight Loss Drugs: An In-Depth Comparison

Posted 04-02-2008 at 06:41 AM by ladypam

With the increasing number of individuals who are concerned with the way they look, many are turning to medications that promise to help them have that perfect figure in only a short span of time. But with several weight loss drugs in the market, it is quite hard to choose which is right for you. Here are some information on popular weight loss drugs such as Xenical, Phentermine, and Accomplia, which may help in making that crucial decision.
Xenical is a weight loss drug, with the generic name Orlistat, and manufactured with the objective of curing obesity. Its action is to decrease the body’s intake of calories by preventing certain enzymes of the absorption of dietary fat on acting on the ingested fats and lipids, thus inhibiting its absorption into the body and avoiding its subsequent storage. The unabsorbed fat will go out the gastrointestinal tract through the excretory system. Because of this, individuals are able to eat whole sized portions and still lose weight because of the lack of absorption of fat cells. Their appetites are not suppressed. Blood cholesterol levels are also seen to go down after regular use of Xenical as well as an increase in glucose tolerance. Also, since studies have shown people reverting back to their original sizes when they stopped taking Xenical, it has been prescribed to be a long term weight loss drug.
On the other hand, Phentermine works on the suppression of appetite to make an individual lose weight. It belongs to the sympathomimetic amines group of drugs. Its exact process is not known although it has been seen to affect specific areas in the brain which leads to a decrease in appetite. The energy expenditure of the body is also seen to increase. As a weight loss drug, it is most effective when coupled with a doctor approved exercise regimen and attitude adjustment program. The action of this drug is to prevent the individual from eating too much food that contributes greatly to its obese state. Once the amount of food ingested is lowered, the body also loses weight due to a decrease in the calorie intake. Phentermine should only be used during a short period of time since adverse effects have been seen to come about due to this medication.
Accomplia is also considered to be a weight loss drug with the generic name Rimonabant. It acts to block receptors found in both the brain as well as peripheral organs that are responsible for the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates thus enabling the individual to lose weight. It can effect a significant drop in body weight as well as in the circumference of the waist. Blood lipid levels are also affected with an increase in HDL levels which is the good cholesterol and a decrease in other blood cholesterol levels. These effects were due to the use of Accomplia. Since it suppresses appetite, it should not be used by people with bouts of major depression as well as renal problems.
Each weight loss drug has their own action and effect on the body. Get to know your body to be able to decide on which weight loss drug to use, if and when you need it. Always consult a doctor before taking any medications.

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