FDA Approved Weight Loss Pills

The internet has uncountable resources at your disposal as far as weight loss is concerned.  While browsing, you may stumble upon the two newly FDA approved weight loss drugs “Belviq” and “Qsymia”.  What exactly do Belviq and Qsymia do?  Belviq increases levels serotonin (an inhibitory neurotransmitter), which is nature’s own appetite suppressant.  Qsymia, on the other hand, combines two currently approved drugs; an appetite suppressant and the other increases feelings of fullness.  Reviewing the trial groups, they both lost weight, but each drug was only effective when given along with a balanced diet and exercise.

It is important to understand that these two drugs are not miracle workers and the fat will not just melt away; any drug that says so is a scam and is not good for your body at all.  You must put work in to receive results.  Yes, if these drugs work they will help individuals lose weight, but I would not depend on a pill to help me lose weight if I were you.  What happens when you stop your pills?  This means you are no longer having your serotonin levels increased or appetite suppressant/feelings of fullness.  Once you start the pills, it seems unlikely that you will be able to maintain your results once you are no longer taking them.  Do you want to take a weight loss pill for the rest of your life? 

Also take into account the potential side effects that will be involved.  In the past, many prescription diet pills have been associated with dangerous side effects, particularly heart problems.  Belviq will more than likely be scheduled as a controlled substance because if serotonin is levels are too high, it could trigger effects of hallucinogens and addictive drugs of abuse.   Also, if your serotonin levels are too high, it can lead to “Serotonin Syndrome”.   Qsymia has potentially serious side effects such as: elevated heart rate, teratogenicity, suicidality risk, cognitive dysfunction, metabolic acidosis and low serum bicarbonate.  Both drugs have their fair share of side effects, in time everyone will see what other dangers are present with these drugs. 

Consider all factors when looking into these programs.  Yes, they are both FDA approved, but are you really wanting to go down the path of pills?  Obesity is a growing problem in the United States and it seems to be getting worse.  You do have people who care about your wellbeing; find a group that will walk with you through your weight loss journey.

www.zakbrownfitness.com

References:

1: Drugs.com Information on Qsymia Accessed July 20, 2012
    http://www.drugs.com/qsymia.html

2: Mayo Clinic Definition of Serotonin Syndrome Accessed July 20, 2012
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/serotonin-syndrome/DS00860

3: Psychology Today: The Antidepressant Diet
    Serotonin: What It is and Why It’s Important for Weight Loss Accessed July 20, 2012
     http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-antidepressant-diet/201008/serotonin-what-it-is-and-why-its-important-weight-loss