Diet Pills

Diet Pills or Drugs in the treatment of Obesity

Anti-appetite (anorectic) drugs (Phenylethylamine group of drugs) Group includes: Amphetamine, Diethylpropion, Phentermine, Fenfluramine, Mazindol etc. Some opine that these drugs affect the metabolic process of sugar and fat. Some experts are of opoinion that these drugs have a direct effect on the satiety center located in the brain which subsequently decreases apetite.

Drugs that reduce the level of sugar in blood

e.g. phenformin, metformin These drugs are unsafe because they may cause acidosis and problems in blood circulation. Banned in USA since 1977.

Metabolism stimulators

Also called thyroid group, in almost all the cases, the weight starts increasing after the withdrawal of drugs. These drugs have proved worthless in long-term.

Laxative Drugs

These drugs eliminate food from body in the form of excretion. The problem is use of laxative drugs weakens the gastrointestinal tract.

Diurectics

These drugs drain-off fluids from the body creating an illusion of weight-loss.

A word of caution:

These drugs yield positive results in the begining but later these give rise to some side-effects. The use of Amphetamine is banned in some countries for reasons like:

• The central nervous system is stimulated unnecessarily.
• Sympathetic nervous system is unnecessarily stimulated and symtoms like dryness of mouth, vision blurring and dizziness may occur.
• The use of drugs in the treatment of obesity is undesirable as these drugs are habit forming.
• Sometimes such drugas cause infection in gastrointestinal track.