Jennifer Graudenz investigates the role pills can play in tackling obesity. of acute kidney injuries is increased in people who use Orlistat. As is the case with all drugs, there is a chance of a serious allergic reaction, though these are very rare.
What are the alternatives? Besides taking pills, anyone who is seriously obese with a BMI above 40 is eligible for weight loss surgery in the UK. Bariatric surgery comes in many different forms: placing an adjustable silastic band around the top portion of the stomach can reduce stomach size and thus food intake; the more invasive gastric bypass surgery allows food to sidestep certain parts of the stomach and intestines such that less is
absorbed. Operations allow a weight loss of about 15-25% depending on the procedure used, often accompanied by behavioural changes to healthier eating from altered hormone levels. However, every coin has two sides: the death rate is around 1 in 1000, and patients will form a life-long dependency on multivitamin tablets due to malabsorption.
So‌Are pills worth it? Given the potential serious side-effects, antiobesity drugs are not for those simply dreaming of dropping a few pounds. Healthy individuals should attempt to lose weight through more conventional methods such as dieting and exercising. On the other hand, for obese people the benefits of these drugs may outweigh the risks as obesity itself is associated with many dangerous health issues. Bariatric surgery is another valid option that has been shown to produce satisfying results despite higher fatality rates. The decision of whether to take a weight loss drug should always be made on a case-by-case basis to evaluate the optimal choice for the patient. Still, research on anti-obesity pills is fervently ongoing; we could well see a future where everyone drops the pounds by simply feasting on a cocktail of drugs. Nevertheless, a healthy lifestyle is essential to maintaining weight in the long-term.
Jennifer Graudenz is studying for an MRes in Clinical Research Illustration: Cathy Wong
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