Prescription Drugs to Lose Weight

Worldwide statistics are highlighting the growing problem of obesity; there are now large numbers of children just starting school that have a weight problem. To cure this problem, some people have resorted to surgical measures whereas others have decided that adjustments to their food intake and an increase in physical activity are necessary. However, desperate people often make poor decisions and decide to take weight loss drugs as they are less expensive than surgery.

The idea behind the drugs is to quicken each person's metabolism enabling the weight to be lost much quicker. It was only after scientists discovered that these drugs had side effects and were related to heart valve disease that they were taken off the shelves. Not to be defeated though, manufacturers have introduced updated drugs, prescribed by doctors but the FDA approval process is slow.

The use of drugs that help weight reduction has become so commonplace that it is almost certain that you know of someone who has tried them. This is obviously a very tempting prospect, to lose weight whilst eating the same diet. This approach has seen consumers spend millions of dollars every year and has generated huge profits for the drug companies who manufacture and sell the weight loss drug.

Even with all the testing and new techniques available for manufacturers, many side effects like nausea and diarrhea still exist with the new generation of weight control pills which, incidentally, can still be purchased over the counter. But they are not the only side effects and some can be more harmful than others. These include heart attacks, tremors, strokes, hallucinations and renal failure.

It is always a good idea to see your doctor first before you take any course of drugs; this can lower the possibility of some side effects occurring, although this may depend on the genetic makeup of the person using them. Other problems may also occur when the pills are discontinued. For instance it is not uncommon for people taking weight control pills to experience other side effects like sleep problems, tiredness, mood swings, stomach problems and more.

Despite all the bad publicity, weight loss drugs do work but they are more successful if they are used in conjunction with a low calorie diet and regular exercise, preferably using a properly worked out exercise regime. A low calorie diet would consist of meals that contain vitamins, minerals and fiber which are all essential for good health; the best sources are fruit and vegetables.

A person can jog every morning or sign up and workout in a gym but just as a person should consult a doctor before taking medicines, a doctor should also be consulted prior to undertaking any form of exercise. The most efficient exercise should be regular and contain a mixture of cardiovascular (walking, swimming etc.) and weight training using machines to build muscle, burn off excess calories and lose the extra pounds.

Although quite a rare plant, the Hoodia cactus has become very famous in a relatively short space of time; all the signs that this is the ‘real thing' are good. Merchandisers all over the world have started using this 'magic' plant in the composition of natural Hoodia weight loss products; in a short space of time the use of this plant has grown immensely. Unless you have already carried out some research it is doubtful you know more than a few facts about this incredible, natural resource.

Well it is actually a cactus-like plant with 13 species. One species in particular, Hoodia Gordonii, is being investigated for use as an appetite suppressant. It grows in the Namib and Kalahari deserts in South Africa, having the unique attribute of reducing or even eliminating appetite. For many years a natural solution to suppressing the appetite has been sought and it looks like this cactus can achieve what medical science has so far failed to achieve.

Before being included in weight loss treatments, this cactus was actually studied in laboratories and even directly tested in first-hand experiments. One particular experiment included a team of people from the BBC who were only given a single Hoodia leaf to eat. The entire team wanted nothing else to eat or drink for the rest of the day.

People fortunate enough to use Hoodia weight loss products that contain extracts from this plant do not experience any ill effects when used. This cannot be said for other types of appetite suppressants. Users also have the additional benefit of knowing that they will not feel tired whilst they are using it as it supplies the correct amount of energy and reduces the desire to eat.

However, when administered, you should still administer proper hydration and healthy eating habits. The idea of using the Hoodia weight loss pills on a regular basis is just to reduce the amount of food you normally consume; this will not benefit a person however, if they eat so little they make themselves ill. Large numbers of people are now seeing the health and other benefits of using Hoodia extracts.

Be prepared to pay a premium for any weight loss products that use real extracts as the production costs involved are high. Plant extracts used in Hoodia weight loss products and pills are readily available over the internet but if the price is very low, you can be sure they are probably not original or contain only insignificant traces of the plant. Be prepared to pay a premium for any product containing Hoodia as it is considered to be the best natural appetite suppressant in the world. Avoid those offers that appear to be 'too good to be true'.

Most individuals do not eat like they are supposed to. Out of those individuals 95% of them don’t realize that by making 10 simple changes to their eating lifestyle they can improve their diet by 90% along with improving their health and overall well-being.

Apply these changes to your diet today and you too will be experiencing an increased benefit to your health, probable weight loss, a leaner body, and likely improvements to your blood profile. This all equals a longer healthier life.

Now let’s get started so you can benefit from these 10 simple changes that everyone can make immediately.

1. Hydration: Is there a difference

Consume Green Tea or Water instead of calorie filled drinks such as soft drinks. Green Tea has many health benefits and is a powerful antioxidant. You should be drinking 1ml of non-caffeinated fluid for every calorie that you consume. This works out between (8-12) 8oz glasses of Green Tea or Water a day.

2. Benefits of Fiber

Recommend consuming 25-35 grams of fiber per day. Since the average diet contains only 14 grams we could all use more fiber. Fiber will help satisfy hunger pangs as well as control insulin and blood sugar levels which tend to promote fat storage when they are elevated. By simply eating at least 1 serving of fruit and vegetables at every meal should get you to the goal of 25-35 grams of fiber per day.

3. The Importance of Protein

Eat lean protein sources which include; lean beef, chicken breasts, turkey breasts, salmon, low-fat cottage cheese and other low-fat dairy products, and whey protein powders, at every meal. This will also help control insulin levels and satisfy hunger pangs which tend to promote fat storage. You will find yourself naturally eating less food throughout the day if you eat some type of lean protein at every meal.

4. Frequent Meals: Why?

Eat 4-6 small meals day a day instead of the usual 2-3 large meals. Eating frequently will help regulate and boost your metabolism to burn more calories. By also including your protein and vegetables at these meals you will tend to eat less overall thereby reducing your calorie intake.

5. What are Whole Foods?

Consume whole foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar such as lean protein (lean beef, chicken, fish, and whey protein), fruits & vegetables (oranges, apples, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, peppers, asparagus, carrots, nuts (almonds, cashews, & walnuts), and whole grains.

Try to minimize processed foods that come in a box or a bag. Instead choose whole grain choices such as whole wheat foods, oatmeals, and vegetables.

6. Healthy Fats: Yes, there are healthy fats

Consume adequate amounts of healthy fat foods such as olive oil, walnuts, almonds, or other Omega-3 products. Healthy fats are great antioxidants as well as help with brain function and many other essentials processes that take place in the body on a daily basis. Essential Fatty acids also help prevent certain diseases.

7. Superfoods

Include what I call “Superfoods” into your meal plan on a daily basis. These include but not entirely lean meat, salmon, low fat plain yogurt, tomatoes, spinach, mixed berries, whole oats, mixed nuts, olive oil, flax seeds(or flax meal), green tea, and various beans. These are just some of the “Superfoods” you should be incorporating into your daily meal plans.

8. Fat

Keep total fat intake under 30% for the day. This can be accomplished by not adding too many extra fats such as butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, etc. This doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate these items, but do not eat them as a regular food item every day.

9. Food Log: Yes, this is the most important step

Record what you eat and drink. You will be amazed at what you consume and not even realize you did it until you right it down and reflect back on the day. Keeping a food log is critical to your success because if modifications need to be made you need something to be able to evaluate and analyze. If changes aren’t happening like you had hoped the answer can usually be found in your food and or exercise journal.

10. Food Labels

Review food labels. Avoid foods packed with excess sugar, calories, or foods that contain any trans-fats. You should be looking for more natural foods and not overly-processed foods. Ingredients to look for and avoid or minimize if they are one of the top ingredients listed in the ingredients list: Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup and Hydrogenated or Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil.

If you see these ingredients listed at the top then that means the product is made up of that ingredient as it’s largest source.

Now I don’t expect you to make every change in one day. What I do expect is that if you are serious about living a better life and a healthier life then you need to make these changes over the next 4 weeks. The best way to accomplish this task is to map out your plan. Create meal plans and have a plan of attack in place in regards to what you are eating and when.

You will start to see just how easy it is to live a healthier life and achieve the goals that you desire.