Weight loss is a big problem when it puts you at great risk of diseases. There are people who are fed up with their overweight and have tried to manage their body mass. If you are one of those who have tried doing exercises and taking a supportive diet for weight loss but haven’t got satisfactory results, weight loss medicine may help you. They are prescription medicines, which are prescribed to be used along with doing exercises and taking a supportive diet.
Who can use the weight loss medications?
As discussed above, doctors suggest using medicines to shed calories when exercise and diet do not bring successful outcomes. However, people falling under the following conditions can use the medicines for weight loss-
- If your BMI or (body mass index) is greater than 30
- If you have diseases like hypertension and diabetes and your body mass index, reach 27
Your doctor may consider your medical history and health conditions before asking you to begin with the medicine. Moreover, he or she may also tell you the potential benefits and risks involved. If you are trying to conceive, bearing a baby, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before taking this medicine.
Do these medicines really help shed calories?
Drugs used for shedding pounds are certified to be used for more than 12 weeks. Making essential lifestyle adjustments along with using the medication can help bring pleasing results. Managing your weight will serve you many benefits. One of them is the reduced risk of complications caused by diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, and high level of bad cholesterol.
For how long do the weight loss pills last?
The duration for which you can take medicine for weight loss relies upon its success and the response of your body. If the medication has helped you lose enough weight to avoid the possibilities of chronic diseases and haven’t shown any serious and persistent side effects on you, your doctor may suggest using it until the time you get a normal body mass.
However, your doctor may alter the medicine or switch to another weight-loss treatment if you don’t lose at least 5% of your body mass after using the medicine for three to six months.
What are the effective medications to shed extra pounds?
Some medications are certified for weight loss purposes. They include Liraglutide (Saxenda), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave), and Orlistat (Xenical). These prescription medications cut off appetite and give you a feeling of fullness. However, Orlistat works differently. It resists the engrossment of fat in the body.
Xenical/Orlistat 120mg
When your healthcare provider prescribes you any medicine, ask him or her about the potential benefits and risks that can be caused by the drug. You should know that weight loss medicine bring successful results when taken along with a supportive diet and regular exercise.
What are other ways to lose weight?
There are numerous ways to get rid of obesity. It is significant to note that losing weight takes determination and willpower. No weight loss medication, or machine will do the work for you of eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity. Many of these products claim quick weight loss. However, this usually isn’t permanent. The best way to shed calories and keep it off is to adopt a healthier eating plan and an active lifestyle.
Below is a list of ways to lose weight without the use of medications-
Exercise regularly
It will help you burn calories and fat. Moreover, regular exercises improve mental health, which can increase your motivation towards weight loss.
Maintain a healthy diet
It includes eating lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean protein sources such as fish and chicken.
Avoid fad diets
These types of diets will not meet your nutritional needs over time. Moreover, they do not teach you how to make healthy eating choices. Fad diets can also cause a lack of crucial nutrients and lead to serious health problems.
Control portion sizes
If you eat large portions, you may take in more calories than your body needs. Instead, cut back on snacks and extra servings of foods that are high in fat or sugar. In addition to taking the weight loss medicine, eating in small portions can bring effective results.
Reduce stress
Stress can contribute to weight gain. Therefore, learning relaxation skills or practicing yoga may help. Meditation, deep breathing, massage therapy, or acupuncture are also good options.
Take your time
Losing weight gradually is more sustainable than shedding it very quickly because you will be more likely to keep the weight off over time.
Be realistic
If you are already at a healthy weight for your height, losing just 5-10% of your body weight may lower your blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. It will ultimately lead to improved overall health.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is bad for your heart and lungs and is a risk factor for many forms of cancer. It can also increase your appetite, making it more difficult to eat a healthy diet and manage your weight.
Get enough sleep
Research suggests that not getting enough sleep can cause your body to produce more hormones that cause you to feel hungry, causing you to eat more and gain weight. Try going to bed an hour earlier than usual and see if this makes a difference. However, exercise can also help in improving the quality of your sleep.
Take a multi-vitamin daily
Taking a multi-vitamin can help you meet all your nutritional needs and decrease the risk of certain chronic diseases. However, if you are using any weight loss medicine, consult your doctor about its usage with multi-vitamin tablets.
Don’t drink too much alcohol
Drinking more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day increases your risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Drink water
Drinking plenty of water every day can help prevent kidney stones, decrease your risk for urinary tract infections, improve your skin, and help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism.
Try not to skip meals
If you don’t eat regularly, your body will have a harder time controlling your appetite and blood sugar. Instead of skipping meals, try having some fruit or low-fat yogurt before you leave the house in the morning to help regulate your appetite.
Try to eat more vegetables
Vegetables are low in calories and fat but high in fibre, which can help you feel full for longer. Moreover, eating healthy vegetables can help support the work of the weight loss medicine.
Add more fibre to your diet
Eating foods high in fibre can make you feel full because it takes your body longer to digest them. Be sure to drink plenty of water when increasing the amount of fibre you eat so that you don’t become constipated or have stomach discomfort. In addition, you should also try to get at least 25 grams of fibre per day.
Don’t be afraid of fats
Some fats are good for you, including unsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, olive oil, nuts, and fish. You should avoid trans-fats, which are found in processed foods. They contain partially hydrogenated oils or shortening.
Avoid sugary drinks
Many people consume hundreds of extra calories each day from sugary drinks like sodas, fruit punch, sweet tea, sports drinks, and energy drinks. However, taking water, unsweetened iced tea, or seltzer water and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help support the function of your weight loss medicine.
Keep your sight away from the TV during meals
This practice can make you eat more because it encourages mindless eating. Instead, try eating at the table without any distractions so that you are more aware of how much food you are consuming.
Practice mindful eating
This practice involves being aware of what you are doing and choosing weight loss-friendly foods rather than the food that can cause you weight gain. Moreover, mindful eating can help you feel satisfied with your portion sizes so that you aren’t tempted to overeat.
Change your mindset
Instead of thinking about dieting, shift the way you think about healthy eating habits. Do not restrict yourself from enjoying certain foods. Try to focus on why those foods are good for you and how they can help your body stay healthy.
These tips can really help shed unnecessary body fat. However, you should also stay in touch with your healthcare provider during your journey. Tell him or her if you experience any side effects while using the weight loss medicine.
