Diet pills aren't the magic solution to weight loss. Still, for some individuals, prescription or over-the-counter diet medications can assist with the difficult process of losing weight. The pills must still be combined with lifestyle changes, such as sensible eating and adequate physical activity to yield long-lasting, sustainable results. It's also important to keep your safety in mind any time you take weight loss medications.
See Your Doctor
Even if you intend to use over-the-counter weight loss medications, your best bet is to see your doctor first. Your doctor can evaluate your overall health and check the safety of the weight loss medication you intend on using. The doctor can also make sure the drug won't interact with any of the medications you're currently taking. He may be able to prescribe or recommend a safer, more effective weight loss medication or strategy. See your doctor periodically to monitor for changes in your health as you continue to take the medication.
Be Skeptical
While thousands of weight loss medications are sold online and in stores, your odds of finding one that works are slim. Over-the-counter and herbal weight loss medications aren't evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which means they could be dangerous or ineffective. The FDA does keep track of potentially dangerous additives and regularly updates the public about what to avoid. Check your medication's ingredients against the FDA's Dietary Supplement Alerts and Safety Information webpage.
Eat a Healthy Diet
No matter what type of diet you're on, your body needs a steady supply of nutrients and energy to power your bodily functions. Weight loss medications that also require you to adhere to strict eating plans or to eliminate certain foods from your diet could contribute to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Without proper nutrition, you weaken your immune system, sap your energy and increase your chance of developing chronic illnesses, according to Medline Plus. Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, low-fat dairy, legumes, nuts and seeds for most of your meals.
Build Muscle & Improve Overall Fitness
Quick weight loss often comes at the expense of the body's lean muscle tissue, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Keeping fit and building lean muscle will help replace some of that you lose while taking weight loss medications. Improved fitness through cardiovascular exercise also helps burn additional calories and strengthens the heart and lungs. Find an activity you enjoy and get active for at least 150 minutes per week, recommends the American College of Sports Medicine.
Make a Permanent Lifestyle Change
Even if you work with your doctor and find a weight loss medication that delivers results, those results will end or completely reverse themselves if you don't engage in an overall lifestyle change. It's likely that unhealthy eating and a lack of physical activity caused -- or at least contributed -- to your weight gain. Learning to control these factors will help you maintain your weight loss after you stop taking the medication.
Member Comments