Quit Smoking & Weight Loss Drugs

Your health improves when you quit smoking and lose weight, although the abundance of information available online and through the media makes moving forward confusing. Recognize some proven tips about smoking cessation and weight loss drugs to ensure your well-being. Alert your physician before taking any drug that promises fast weight loss.

Proven Tips to Quit Smoking

A commitment to a smoke-free lifestyle typically brings both short and long-term rewards to your health, including a reduced risk for cancer and heart disease. Select a firm date in the near future as your last day to smoke and then ask your doctor about prescription products that increase your chance for success. Common recommendations include nicotine patches and gums, as well as medications that diminish your cigarette cravings. Inform your friends about your efforts so they can provide support. You'll also need to change your daily habits if some activities tempt you to smoke. Consider using a toothpick as a substitute for your after-lunch cigarette and avoid alcohol. While nicotine withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, depression and irritability, the symptoms should begin to lessen after a few days.

Drugs for Weight Loss

Some weight loss drugs are available without a prescription, although the drugs often fail to perform as promised and hinder your wellness. Weight drugs are classified by the government as dietary supplements and don't undergo the testing that applies to medications. The drugs are not an effective method for weight loss, although you may temporarily feel lighter due to increased bowel movements and urination. Some drugs cause you to skip meals by tricking your body into feeling full. Avoid weight drugs that contain glucomannan, which disrupts blood sugar and triggers intestinal blockages. Pills with yerba mate, or Paraguay tea, may raise your chance for high blood pressure and cancer.

More Steps for a Smoke-Free Life

Attempt to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke daily in the time leading up to your quit day, which lowers the nicotine levels in your bloodstream. Rid your living space of any cigarette reminders, including lighters and ashtrays, and buy plenty of sunflower seeds, sugar-free gum and toothpicks that can keep your mouth active. Practice your ability to turn down offers to smoke, and if you feel you must reach for a cigarette, try to hold off for at least 10 minutes, which will give the urge time to diminish. Regular exercise helps you stay active and contributes to better health when approved by your doctor.

Prescribed Weight Loss

While over-the-counter weight drugs represent potentially fatal threats to your health, your doctor may prescribe drugs like orlistat or phentermine if your weight causes health problems like diabetes. The medications are typically for short-term use and will only help you lose up to 10 percent of your body weight, although eating a nutritious diet and performing exercise, such as walking for up to 60 minutes on most days of the week, can provide better results. Prescription drugs are costly and carry risks, including cramping and dizziness.

Theories & Speculation

The makers of rimonabant --- a prescription weight-loss drug not available in the United States --- claim the drug can also help you quit smoking. Rimonabant works by affecting the parts of your brain that alert you to hunger and is typically recommended for people who are significantly overweight or have type 2 diabetes. The drug is available outside of the United States only as a method for weight management and has not been approved for smoking cessation. Nausea and vomiting are side effects associated with rimonabant.