Saturday, May 3, 2014

What are fda approved diet pills?


If you are looking for help at losing weight, you could consider taking diet pills. However there are so many diet pills in the market that it is difficult choosing safe pills that give the best results. This is why it is better to look for FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved diet pills which are approved by FDA for the safety and efficiency of the diet pills. You thus wonder 

what are fda approved diet pills?


The FDA does not make it mandatory for manufacturers to register, or get an FDA approval to sell their diet pills to the public. However when a diet pill is sold in the market, the FDA monitors it and takes action against all unsafe weight loss pills. It is only after undergoing years of testing on thousands of people to determine the pills’ safety is it approved by the FDA. When the FDA approves pills, it proves that the pill is safe and effective. Though safe, these pills should be taken as directed as some pills are approved for long term use and some for short term use.

FDA has approved three types of diet pills: Orlistat (Xenical), sympathomimetic appetite suppressants (Phentermine) and Sibutramine (Meridia). Start taking these pills only after asking your health provider for the right diet pill for you.

Xenical

It was in 1999 that Xenical was FDA approved as a prescription diet pill which blocks about 30% of dietary fat from getting absorbed by the body. With diet and exercise, when taken thrice a day, Xenical proves effective for weight loss. However the pill should be taken only when you eat a meal containing fat. So if your meal does not contain fat, it’s okay to miss your dosage.

There are however some side effects associated with the pill like gas, oily stools and frequent bowel movements, which worsen when taken with fatty foods. So to minimize the side effects of this diet pill it’s better to reduce the amount of fatty foods you eat.

Moreover, as Xenical reduces the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A,D,E and K and beta carotene, people who take Xenical should take some vitamin supplements in the morning or night, two hours prior to taking the pill. It is not advised to take Xenical if you have gallbladder problems and problems of naturally absorbing foods and nutrients.

Meridia

Meridia is a diet pill that acts on the neurotransmitters in the brain to suppress the appetite. It increases the amount of norepinepphrine, dopamine and serotonin in the brain synapses that leads to a reduction in the appetite.

This diet pill is prescribed by doctors to overweight and obese people who have a risk of developing high cholesterol or hypertension. It is a diet pill that can be taken only once in the morning with or without food.

There are however some side effects associated with this drug like constipation, dry mouth, headaches, insomnia, shortness of breath and high blood pressure. It should not be taken if you have hypertension, heart problems or eating disorders. Moreover as Meridia is linked with more than 28 deaths and lots of adverse reactions, the FDA has recently issued warnings against it.

Phentermine

This is a sympathominetic appetite suppressant that is prescribed for the short term treatment of obesity. They give the best results if taken with a weight loss diet plan and exercise. This is the most popular and frequently prescribed appetite suppressant which should be taken before every meal. In case a dosage is missed, take the next dosage as soon as you realize it.

It is not advised to take phentermine if you have a history of substance abuse as the pill is addictive. So this is not the pill for you if you are looking for a pill that lets you lose weight over an extended period of time.

Though you may see instant results, the weight loss you experience with this diet pill tapers off the longer you take the pill. Moreover, you may experience withdrawals when you stop taking the pill.

There are various other FDA approved diet plans in the market like Phendimetrazine and Diethylpropion. It is your doctor who will advise on the right diet pill for your weight loss efforts based on the effectiveness and side effects of the pills. This is because some pills are effective for some obese people and not for everyone. Moreover, diet pills should never be given to children below the age of 12.

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