Health and Nutrition
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Appetite suppressants
Appetite suppressants are agents that promote weight loss by decreasing appetite or increasing the sensation of fullness. The use of appetite suppressant medications to treat obesity in combination with physical activity and diet modification is often recommended to lose and maintain weight successfully over the long term. Several prescription medications are currently approved for the treatment of obesity. In general the effects of these medications are modest to an average initial weight loss of between 2.5kg to 11kg; though studies show that weight returns after cessation of the drugs. There is a considerable individual difference in response to these medications. The famous known appetite suppressant in Lebanon is Sibutramine (Reductil®) Serious concerns are being expressed about its safety and it has suspended from UK and EU. It is also under review by the FDA and the European medicines agency.
Only a certified Doctor has the right to prescribe an appetite suppressant, no pharmacist no dietitian is allowed to prescribe it to any patient regardless his age, gender, medical condition.
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Our famous Xenical®
Orlistat (Xenical®) is a drug designed to treat obesity. Its primary function is preventing the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing calorie intake. It is intended for use in conjunction with a physician supervised reduced calorie diet. The effectiveness of orlistat in promoting weight loss is definite, though modest. Clinical trials suggest that people given orlistat and lifestyle modifications such as diet and physical activity, lose about 2-3 kilograms more than those not taking the drug over the course of the year. Orlistat is notorious for his gastrointestinal side effects which includes fecal incontinence and anal leakage. These are the only two medication approved by the FDA and as seen are also being revised for some of their lethal side effects, to draw the conclusion that it’s best to lose weight while dieting and adopting healthy lifestyle, by being physically active.
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