Obesity and high cholesterol are risk factors associated with heart disease. Vytorin is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol, and the manufacturer suggests that it is most beneficial when combined with weight loss. Vytorin has not been identified by the FDA as a weight loss aid and should be taken as directed by your physician for its prescribed purpose, which is lowering your cholesterol.
Facts
Vytorin combines the drugs ezetimbe and simvastatin in a single product that is intended to lower your cholesterol levels in two ways: by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body produces and by decreasing the amount of cholesterol you absorb from your diet, according to the Vytorin website. Although clinical studies indicate some potential, neither ezetimbe nor simvastatin has been conclusively established as a weight loss agent.
Scientific Evidence
A 2010 study published in the "American Heart Journal" had subjects on a low-carbohydrate diet take 20 mg of simvastatin alone, or a combination of 20 mg of simvastatin plus 10 mg of ezetimbe per day. At the conclusion of the eight-week study, there was a 3.1 percent decrease in the test subjects' body weight, with no difference noted between the two groups.Since weight loss occurred in the presence of both substances, Vytorin may have the potential to produce a weight loss effect in patients taking the drug.
Ezetimbe and Weight
The American Diabetes Association reported a study in which obese subjects were put on a low-calorie, low-fat diet alone, or the same diet with an addition of 10 mg per day of ezetimbe for 16 weeks. The results showed significant weight loss in both groups, with the ezetimbe group having improved cholesterol metabolism. A rare side effect of taking ezetimbe products is loss of appetite, which could cause weight loss, but the National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine lists that as a severe side effect that should prompt you to seek medical help.
Taking Vytorin
Vytorin comes in tablet form and is available in a number of dosages. All tablets contain 10 mg of ezetimebe, but the amount of simvastatin can be 10, 20y, 40 or 80 mg. The website Drugs.com states that Vytorin is most beneficial if you adopt a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and avoid alcohol. Vytorin is usually taken once daily in the evening. You can take it with or without food, but avoid grapefruit and grapefruit products while on this medication. While patients taking ezetimbe and simvastatin have been shown to lose weight, it was always in conjunction with a specific diet plan. Consult your doctor about designing a diet and exercise plan to help you lose weight and attain better health.
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