Role Of Medication In Weight Loss
Angela Rogers
December 21, 2007
An understanding of what weight loss is can be crucial to the development of a plan for weight loss. There are two types of weight loss – unintentional and intentional.
1. Unintentional weight loss stems from some physiological or psychological disorder. In these instances, it is not the sufferer’s intention to lose weight nor is there a need to lose weight. Certain diseases (e.g. AIDS, cancer) will result in loss of appetite or the regurgitation of anything taken in, due to nausea. In these instances, a medical professional will be concerned with medications and procedures to stop the weight gain.
2. Intentional weight loss stems from the desire to take off excess pounds, because weight gain has resulted in unattractiveness or health risks.
Weight loss occurs when the body uses more energy than it takes in from foods. When this happens, the body begins to use fat or muscle which has been stored. In most instances, it is the fat that is used first, resulting in loss of pounds and a trimmer individual.
Over the years, overweight people have sought a “magical” cure for diet goals – some pill that will just take off the weight. Unfortunately, such a pill is not available. There are medications which can help, however, but the dieter should proceed with caution.
1. If there is a physiological reason for weight gain (hormonal imbalance, low thyroid activity), certainly a physician can prescribe medications to correct these problems. Weight loss should follow.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications are in abundance at any drug store or pharmacy. Television and the Internet advertise these as the miracle potions everyone needs, but, in fact, they must be used in conjunction with diet and exercise for any results to be achieved. Most of these medications contain one or more stimulants which force the body into a higher metabolic rate, thus providing the additional energy that will force the body to begin using the stored fat. Unfortunately, there are potential side effects of these stimulants – nervousness, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke. Use with caution!!
3. Diet drinks are often used as well. These are probably safer than the pills, because the goal with these is to fill the stomach and allow a dieter to feel full. Most of these drinks contain important vitamins and minerals as well.
4. Herbal/Natural medications have helped some dieters. Most commonly used are ephedra(possible side effects here!), dandelion, green tea and soy protein, and a host of other items which either increase metabolism or trick the brain into sending “full tummy” messages.
More recently, researchers believe they may have isolated a gene/chemical which triggers compulsive and continued eating. The concept is that the messages to and from the brain regarding “fullness” is not occurring. If this is the case, there may be help in the near future for innumerable dieters who have not been able to meet with weight loss success.
Learn also about hoodia and weight loss.
1. Unintentional weight loss stems from some physiological or psychological disorder. In these instances, it is not the sufferer’s intention to lose weight nor is there a need to lose weight. Certain diseases (e.g. AIDS, cancer) will result in loss of appetite or the regurgitation of anything taken in, due to nausea. In these instances, a medical professional will be concerned with medications and procedures to stop the weight gain.
2. Intentional weight loss stems from the desire to take off excess pounds, because weight gain has resulted in unattractiveness or health risks.
Weight loss occurs when the body uses more energy than it takes in from foods. When this happens, the body begins to use fat or muscle which has been stored. In most instances, it is the fat that is used first, resulting in loss of pounds and a trimmer individual.
Over the years, overweight people have sought a “magical” cure for diet goals – some pill that will just take off the weight. Unfortunately, such a pill is not available. There are medications which can help, however, but the dieter should proceed with caution.
1. If there is a physiological reason for weight gain (hormonal imbalance, low thyroid activity), certainly a physician can prescribe medications to correct these problems. Weight loss should follow.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications are in abundance at any drug store or pharmacy. Television and the Internet advertise these as the miracle potions everyone needs, but, in fact, they must be used in conjunction with diet and exercise for any results to be achieved. Most of these medications contain one or more stimulants which force the body into a higher metabolic rate, thus providing the additional energy that will force the body to begin using the stored fat. Unfortunately, there are potential side effects of these stimulants – nervousness, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke. Use with caution!!
3. Diet drinks are often used as well. These are probably safer than the pills, because the goal with these is to fill the stomach and allow a dieter to feel full. Most of these drinks contain important vitamins and minerals as well.
4. Herbal/Natural medications have helped some dieters. Most commonly used are ephedra(possible side effects here!), dandelion, green tea and soy protein, and a host of other items which either increase metabolism or trick the brain into sending “full tummy” messages.
More recently, researchers believe they may have isolated a gene/chemical which triggers compulsive and continued eating. The concept is that the messages to and from the brain regarding “fullness” is not occurring. If this is the case, there may be help in the near future for innumerable dieters who have not been able to meet with weight loss success.
Learn also about hoodia and weight loss.
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