The Truth About Lorcaserin Or Belviq The Diet Pill
The FDA has approved the first diet pill for 13 years. Its name is Lorcaserin,and should not be confused with other weight loss pills that are awaiting approval. Once it has been given the full go ahead, it will be marketed under the name Belviq. It has been developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals and its main aim is to control appetite.
With so many Americans and Europeans obese, lorcaserin is being hailed as the new wonder pill. For many people who find it hard to diet, or keep the weight off, this should hopefully be the latest in a long line of pills, tablets, teas and diets that actually might work.
How It Works
Taking data from the latest trials it seems that the drug was successful. 7.5 percent of test patients lost 5 percent of their body weight compared to 20% taking a placebo. In plain English this means that the patients that took the tablet lost 12 pounds compared to the patients who had taken the placebo. Their average weight loss was 2.2 pounds.
The drug works by aiding and controlling the patients appetite. To be more exact, the drug activates the brain receptors for serotonin. The result is that the recipient feels full up after eating a small amount of food.
Serotonin is also involved in mood drugs, such as antidepressants.Researchers are stating that the diet pill does not in anyway affect any other illness or drug. It is purely aimed at suppression of the appetite.
Health Dangers v Health Benefits
For anybody who is really overweight the health benefits are clear. To be obese brings its own problems with health. Diabetes, breathlessness, blood clots and heart disease. Most people who really do find it hard to lose weight are ready to take this pill. But are there problems that we cannot see?
There is a question about the safety of Lorcaserin. Recently in the news, Qnexa, another diet pill was said to be the cause of heart disease. The problem occurred when they discovered that it was the possible cause of irreparable heart valve damage. The FDA withdrew the drug, and the tests are ongoing.
When Lorcaserin was given the go ahead for human consumption, there was an outcry from protesters concerned about health risks with this new drug.
Side Effects of Lorcaserin Brand name Belviq. Listed below are the effects on non diabetic or ill patients.
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
Patients With Diabetes.
- Low Blood Sugar
- Headache
- Back Pain
- Cough
- Fatigue
Other side effects have been noted in animal testing are tumors and heart valve problems.
Diet Pills V Good Diets and Exercise
So what is the best way to lose weight, and keep it off? If you are grossly overweight then the risks of taking a pill that will help reduce your weight may sound like the ideal solution. On the other hand should you chose to lose weight over a long term period then good dieting, exercise and calorie counting is probably the best way to go. It really isn't worth risking your health to lose weight that little bit quicker.
Of course the majority of weight loss diet pills out there today are perfectly safe. Many people use them with absolutely no problem to their health. The best advice is to check and double check before you start taking something that may or may not be safe to consume. Losing weight with the help of diet pills may just be the push you need to start exercising and dieting properly. Using both methods will surely help keep the weight off and your overall health will improve immensely.
More On Weight Loss
- The Best Weight Loss Secret - The really lazy way to...
Hate dieting? Does exercise drive you mad? Then why not try this great way to lose weight, all you have to do is stand still and vibrate! - Lose 6lbs In Weight In Two Weeks Without Dieting I D...
I lost 6lbs in two weeks and so can you with these easy diet tips! Trick your brain into not knowing you are on a diet. Learn how to eat what you want and lose weight. Plus fun ways to exercise. Photos by Nell Rose. - Epigenetic Clues To How We Age - Will Turning Our Ge...
Epigenetic studies show that our genes are the key to anti-ageing. Epigenetics, Methyl groups and study results shown. - Lose 6lbs In Weight In Two Weeks Without Dieting I D...
I lost 6lbs in two weeks and so can you with these easy diet tips! Trick your brain into not knowing you are on a diet. Learn how to eat what you want and lose weight. Plus fun ways to exercise. Photos by Nell Rose. - Detoxification - Why You Should Detox Your Body
Guide to Detox and why you should cleanse your body. Explanation of harmful chemicals that we come into contact with every day of our lives.
Comments
Gosh! And I saw an coupon for a free trial in Web MD magazine just the other day.Thanks!
I'm living proof that changing your eating habits and exercising works, and are probably healthier and last longer than any diet pill. About two years ago, just before my half-century mark, I decided to exercise more and eat healthy. Lost about 30 pounds, my target, in four months and kept it off. Have been doing Crossfit as my exercise, and have been on the paleo diet -- basically lots of protein (chicken, beef, etc), fruits and vegetables and nuts, and cutting way back on dairy and carbs. Never felt and looked better in my life. Voting this Up and Interesting.
The problem with any medication, though well intended, are the side effects! Thanks for sharing, Nell, and I will keep this as reference too and pass it along.
I haven't heard about this diet pill yet. Years ago I took one that made me mean as a snake. My family has forbidden me from taking any other pills. I think the old fashioned way of losing weight is best. Thanks for exposing this!
Nell Rose, thank you for keep us apprised of the slimming drug market. I am so tempted at times, however I know they don't work long term and as you point out, the side effects are not great if you happen to be the one that gets them. This is worthwhile and a good timely nudge to be mindful of what we take after having too much Christmas! Up, interesting and useful.
I am not so sure about diet pills, I did not know about this piece of information. Thanks for sharing.
I was surprised to learn that the FDA is actually approving a diet pill. I remember when I took them for a little while after my son was born…I wanted to lose some extra pounds, and became quickly addicted to them. I’ve been frightened of any kind of diet pill since. Very informative hub, Nell. I hope this pill is safe and truly helps those who need it.
Thanks for the news and information on Lorcaserin. I have never taken diet pills as i just practice eating well and exercise. I hope your post helps those who do take pills to make good decisions.
Why can't people just realize that the only sensible way to lose weight is simply with diet and exercise. That's it. One doesn't have to be a rocket scientist or a pill popper, just portion the food and move the body. Excellent hub Nell, hopefully someone or many people learn from your info.
Before time runs out wanna wish you a Happy New Year!
I tried to post a comment a few seconds ago and it did weird things so I hope it did not post more than once. If it did I am sorry. This was a well-researched and interesting hub. I am always a bit wary of diet pills because they always seem to get pulled off of the market after a few years.
Good article. Even though everything has risks TO SOME DEGREE, it always makes sense to read the disclaimers and be very astute to side effects.
Hello Nell! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, gf.......Funny thing, all these diet, exercise & weight loss hubs seem to just appear after the two major "stuff-one's face," Holidays, and right before the entrance of a New Year. I can't figure it out.
You have very generously, given your readers the news and important information on the latest Rx, aimed at appetite control. Such an excellent job at reporting, Nell! It will be very interesting to discover how well this particular new drug does, once it's on the market.
I have a tendency to feel precisely as Carol does...so, "DITTO," to Carol's comment!...... Thanks, Nell!...UP+++
I think I will stick to diet and exercise myself, although not too much of the latter.
Have a great New Year Nell. Onwards and Upwards!
I get so tired of hearing about all these "wonder drugs" to make people lose weight. When I was a Call Center agent, I took lots of calls for Sensa. It's something you sprinkle on your food, and it makes you lose weight! I still see that advertised.
If folks want to lose weight, they should just cut down on their calories!
Interesting information, Nell! Fortunately I have lost my trust in medicine except painkillers. If Lorcaserin activates the brain receptors for serotonin, the alternative would be spending time in the gym until serotonin receptors are activated. Then there will be no side-effects to handle. But I do believe that some people will always need a pill or three to control their body's natural (screwed because of whatever) functions.
More people die of the side-effects of medicine as from the illness treated by medicine....
However, good luck for those who are going to give Lorcaserin aka Belviq a go...
There is no way i would ever take a diet pill, unless you change in your thinking, the weight always returns. I worked with a nurse who had the gastric bypass surgery, within two years she had gained all the weight back. She overate, thus stretching her stomach back to normal size. I go along with drbj. lol.. Great informative hub..Thank's Nell.
Hi Nell,
This is a very interesting hub about this new drug - Lorcaserin. I think for many people who are desperate and have tried other ways to lose weight, drugs such as these may well be beneficial - but as you say, the best way is always to try to do it with reduced calories and exercise - if clinically obese preferably with the help of a doctor and/or dietician.
I think as well that in some cases the route problem of why some people overeat and become obese is never really addressed - for many over eating is a stress releasing act or it covers up other psychological difficulties. Getting help with the 'mind' as well as the body is sometimes the best way forward for many.
Great hub + voted up!!
Thanks, Nell, for this update on the new diet drug, Lorcaserin. Sometimes new 'wonder' drugs turn out to be anything but wonderful for those who take them.
For those who want to lose weight, just do this simple exercise at the dining table. Place both hands at the edge of the table and gently push yourself away. Works every time.
I had a friend who died taking one of the original weight loss pills that came out a few decades ago..I don't want to mention names. Her heart and lungs gave out. She was willing to do anything to lose weight except stop overeating. I know it is tough for many to lose weight even when they really try. Unfortunately we cannot give up food as we must eat. I was just thinking I gained about two or three pounds this month..Hard to completely not take advantage of some of the delicious fare out there..But itwill come off in a couple of weeks. I am against drugs for diet..because eating patterns stay the same. Great job on this hub. Voting up and sharing.
Well, I'm sitting here, like a stuffed turkey, gosh, I wish I had some help with it,,, great hub Nell, lily
Hi Nell,
Thanks for informing us about this latest approach to fat loss. Although I have not done any homework on the subject, I do have one reservation about this latest 'magic pill'.
You mentioned that Belviq is a serotonin-ergic med. So is Prozac; and that has school shootings as a very infrequent side-effect.
Coincidentally, Belviq sounds too much like the name of that Norwegian neo-Nazi terrorist.
Voted up and interesting.
41