Weight Loss

Weight Loss Medications Everybody Is Looking For

As the obesity epidemic continues to grow almost as fast as the waistlines of those who are obese, researchers and scientists around the world are looking for medications to treat this condition.

A range of weight loss medications are available today. The most powerful and effective ones are those that are available on prescription only. According to the American Society of Bariatricians (weight loss specialists), these weight loss medications are "intended for patients who have a great deal of weight to lose, not for someone who wants to lose 5 or 10 pounds or drop a dress size."

These prescription weight loss medications come in several different types, each with its own benefits and side-effects.

Amphetamines were once used as weight loss medications, but these are no longer used or prescribed by physicians as they are addictive and have dangerous side effects, especially on blood pressure.

The next category of weight loss medications are the appetite suppressants. These work directly on the brain's chemistry to reduce the desire to eat. Prescription appetite suppressants are much more powerful than the over-the-counter variety. Appetite suppressant weight loss medications have been around since 1959 and continue to be used successfully today. Brand names in this branch of weight loss medications include Fastin, Banobese, Zantryl and Adipex.

A third class of prescription weight loss medications are the lipase inhibitors. Xenical is the most widely used lipase inhibitor weight loss medication. This works by blocking the body's ability to absorb fat into the bloodstream, reducing the amount of fat that can be stored on the body as extra fat.

The last category of prescription weight loss medications are the leptins. These are undergoing extensive testing at the moment, and are looking extremely promising for delivering safe and effective weight loss.

Non-prescription weight loss medications are not as powerful as prescription weight loss medications. However, this means that they are available to everyone who wants to lose weight, not just to those who are clinically obese. These pills often contain natural ingredients, and a range of vitamins and minerals among other beneficial substances. These weight loss medications can come as liquids, as tablets or as powders to be added to liquid for drinking.

Some non-prescription weight loss medications are appetite suppressants which work in a similar way to the prescription appetite suppressant weight loss medications, albeit less dramatically. Other weight loss medications available over the counter or online include the "bulkers" that help you reduce your calorie intake by helping you "fill up" on low calorie (or no calorie) fibres and starches. Still others work by helping to boost the metabolism and the body's fat burning capacity during exercise. And some weight loss medications are a combination of some or all of these types.

All weight loss medications, whether prescription or non-prescription, should be taken strictly as directed. Dosages should never be exceeded. All weight loss medications are designed to be used in conjunction with a program of sensible diet and exercise for the best long-term effects.