Side Effects of Weight Loss Medicines

By: Craig

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Weight loss medicines are taking their positions in the market, so as to get a healthy and energized body. Although these medicines have lots of benefits, we have to consider side effects of weight loss medicines for our wellbeing. Some anti-obesity drugs available in the market have life-threatening side effects.

 

Side effects of weight loss medicines are often associated with their mechanism of action. This is discussed below:

1. Weight loss medicines containing stimulants carry high  risk of high blood pressure, palpitations, faster heart rate, closed-angle glaucoma, drug addiction, agitation, restlessness and insomnia.
2. Weight loss medicine known as Orlistat basically stops assimilation of nutritional fats. This results into oily spotting bowel movements, oily stools, flatulence, stomach pain, etc.
3. Weight loss drug intended for patients of Type 2 diabetes, known as Acarbose, blocks absorption of carbohydrates and produces side effects including flatulence and stomach pain.
4. There are many ingredients present in weight loss supplements which can have side effects, for e.g. caffeine found in many weight loss supplements decreases hunger, but the effect does not last long and as a result you eat more at your next meal.
5. Some weight loss supplements used without any dieting or exercising also have major side effect. As a result, the FDA is not giving permission to the manufactures to supply over-the-counter weight loss supplements.
6. Weight-loss supplements also have side effects like bloating, headaches, sleeping problems, gas and constipation to nausea.
7.  As weight loss supplements fill stomach with fiber, some digestive problems may occur.
8. Some herbal medicines have dangerous effects such as severe injury to the liver or even death.
9. Guarana, which affects same as caffeine, causes heart palpitations and sometimes, affects the central nervous system too.
10. Another herb known as yohimbe results in high blood pressure
11.  FDA banned the sale of products having ephedrine because it can affect a variety of nervous and cardiovascular systems; cause heart palpitations, psychiatric issues as well as high blood pressure
12. Bitter orange used in weight loss medicines have effects like increasing energy and fat burning, but could potentially have the same side effects as the ephedra.
13. Phen/Fen present in medicines increase risk of primary pulmonary hypertension by attacking the lungs.
14.  Use of laxatives in medicines is dangerous because these can cause to lose body fluid, which causes water preservation which is dangerous to the body.
15. Use of diuretics in weight loss medicines can decrease the quantity of water in the body which results in electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and potassium deficiencies, giving a false sign of weight loss.

As a result we have to keep in mind that although these weight loss medicines help to maintain your ideal weight, there can be a negative impact if not taken under the observation of your doctor.

 

About the Author

Craig Brown has practiced as a Doctor of Medicine in New Zealand for about 20 years. Although he is retired now, he continues to share his medical knowledge and experience with readers through his writings.

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