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Just a short time ago, the diet pill industry was soaring to new levels. Prescriptions for the
drug "Fen-Phen" were written by the millions. All of a sudden, a serious problem surfaced... suspected heart damage in as many as 30% of patients taking the popular combination in a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic. In September 1997 Redux and Pondimin were withdrawn from the market. The void was rapidly filled with "herbal Fen-Phen", typically containing Ma Huang (Ephedrine) and St. John's Wort, an herb sometimes referred to as "the herbal Prozac." Again, problems came to light. The FDA has issued warnings detailing health problems and even deaths associated with these products. The next big diet drug (sibutramine) soon followed, being sold under the brand name "Meridia." The FDA approved Meridia, in spite of the objections of its own scientific advisors, who called the drug too risky. So far we know that Meridia may endanger certain patients because it can cause increases in blood pressure and pulse rate. There is also risk of addiction. So, after all of the problems with "Fen-Phen", why would the FDA quickly approve another potentially dangerous drug? Is this a case of "here we go again"? Some experts think the FDA bowed to pressure to quickly approve a new diet drug to fill the void left by its withdrawal of Pondimin & Redux. Diet pills have provided a financial windfall for many physicians. Weight loss is a multi-billion dollar business! The newest entry into the diet pill market is A drug called Orlistat, a.k.a. Xenical. This drug is thought to work by partially blocking fat absorption. Sounds exciting at first blush. However, volunteers who participated in a two-year study only lost an average of 7 pounds more than the placebo group. Side effects included stomach cramping, diarrhea and possible increased risk of breast cancer. So when it comes to diet pills, here are some things to consider: 1. Are you at least 30% above your ideal weight? 2. You should have a complete physical & medical history and repeat exams. 3. Are you aware of the long-term cost? 4. You must incorporate behavioral modification (diet, exercise) or you will re-gain the weight! 5. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? 6. There are safe alternatives. These may range from natural appetite suppressants to special eating programs that stimulate maximum fat loss.
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