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Utilizing the important tool of medication
greatly speeds results. Medications correct the underlying biochemical
mechanisms driving weight gain. They also control intense food cravings
and binges. For those who feel “tired all the time” certain
medications can increase metabolism and boost energy. Other medications
ease stress and depression (chief contributors to weight gain).
There is a definite art to prescribing and using
anti-obesity medications. Dr. Piatek is a specialist in that art,
personally tailoring dosages for thousands of patients. Under his
guidance, the vast majority find the experience to be an easy
and
enjoyable one. Following is a list and brief descriptions of some
of the common medications used by Dr. Piatek: Phentermine
(Adipex, Ionamin, Fastin): This medication has been in use
for over 35 years. It is not an amphetamine, has no association
with valvular
heart disease or pulmonary hypertension, and is nonaddictive when
used as prescribed. Many are surprised to discover that studies
find phentermine to be 20% more effective than Redux and
just as effective as phen/phen
for weight loss. Phentermine stops the cravings for fatty and fried
foods and also increases metabolic rate by affecting the neurotransmitter
dopamine.
Tenuate and Phendimetrazine: Both are
similar to phentermine in action and have been in use for over 25
years. They are good alternatives for patients who cannot tolerate
the side effects of phentermine.
Sibutramine (Meridia): A relatively new
drug, Sibutramine raises both serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
It has recently been shown to improve blood sugar control in Type
II Diabetes.
Xenical (Orlistat): Orlistat is part
of a promising new field of pharmaceuticals that prevent what you
eat from being absorbed by the organs which digest it. In Orlistat’s
case, one-third of the fat ingested during a meal does not get processed
by digestion and leaves the body as waste.
Anti-depressants: For those patients
who are stress eaters, the addition of Effexor or Prozac has been
found to be safe and effective.
While researching medications and weight loss
products, Dr. Piatek has also examined natural products commonly
found in drug stores, health food stores, or offered through other
programs (products like Chromium, Metabolife®, herbal phen/phen,
Chitosan®, etc.). Unfortunately, he’s been disappointed
by most of them, finding that the claims made are advertisers’
claims only and are not supported by research. One major exception,
however, is the natural product 5-HTP. 5 HTP is the precursor
to
serotonin. Working in the hypothalamus, it curbs cravings for sweets
and carbohydrates. (If you would like detailed information on
5-HTP,
it is available in pamphlet form.)
Another exception is the fiber Glucomannan. Glucomannan
is a natural product, highly effective, and void of serious side
effects. Its fibrous characteristics allow it to expand slowly in
the stomach. Taken prior to meal time, it produces a feeling of
fullness thereby decreasing intake in most. Other benefits of Glucomannan
are that it lowers cholesterol, decreases chances for constipation,
and helps to prevent hypoglycemia.
Vitamins, too, have become an essential part of
weight management in the program. They are utilized not only to
prevent the vitamin deficiency associated with obesity and weight
loss, but also to bolster metabolism, taking advantage of the latest
research in nutrition. Dr. Piatek will be discussing this topic
in detail with you.
Drug Side Effects
As with all prescription medications, individuals
must weigh the risks versus the benefits of taking a particular
pharmaceutical product. You should know that the risks of untreated
obesity are great, causing many serious health problems as well
as compromising longevity. So when comparing obesity to possible
drug side effects, these side effects become fairly negligible.
The anti-obesity medications used in the program are not amphetamines
and have little or no abuse potential. Although side effects are
experienced by less than 10% of patients, following are some you
could experience (most common in italics):
For Phentermine (Adipex, Ionamin, Fastin):
Dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, blurred vision, heart palpitations,
behavioral changes, mood swings, irritability, stomach upset or
constipation, jitteriness.
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