Is it safe to consume slimming drugs?
The new slimming drug will work well if combined with a healthy lifestyle because the risk of weight rises back after ingestion of slimming drug is discontinued. In addition, certain medications may contain substances that are harmful to the body.
In the year 2010, the Drug and Food Control Agency (BPOM) attracted six brands of dietary drugs from the market because it contained sibutramin. This ingredient is able to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is important to recognize the ingredients in the slimming drug so that the desire for skinny does not even harm the health.
Identifying content in slimming drugs
Slimming drugs that are sold free or prescribed doctors are available with a different ingredient content and effects. Before buying or consuming it, make sure the drug is listed in BPOM and note the name of the content listed on the drug packaging. To help you, here are some of the ingredients that are generally contained in the slimming pill.
Materials that are relatively effective
The following are the ingredients that are generally contained in a variety of slimming drug products. These materials are thought to be effective for weight loss, but do not necessarily contain risk.
Orlistat
How it works: reduce the fat levels absorbed by the body.
Side effects:
Weight gain back up if healthy living patterns like exercising are not applied
Stomach cramps, exhaust gas, more frequent bowel movements.
Makes the body difficult to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K in some time.
Orlistat side effects are generally mild and temporary. The drug with this content can be used in the long term, but it is recommended to consume after the patient undergo a low-fat diet. Users of this drug are also advised to consume supplements of vitamins A, D, E and K.
Doctors prescribed orlistat are generally given under the name Xenical. While the free sale is given in half the dose of Xenical, known as the Alli brand.
Phentermine
How it works: decreases appetite.
Side effects: diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, insomnia, tremor, difficulty breathing, chest pain, pounding heart, high blood pressure, and drowsiness so that it makes you unable to do activities like driving. Serious side effects due to phentermine do not often occur in short-term use.
Phentermine is a risky amphetamine that causes addiction. In addition to the required special recipes to get it, this ingredient is advised to also only consumed in a short period of time, i.e. only a few weeks.
Not recommended consumed by:
Pregnant and nursing mothers.
People who have a history of stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma.
People who have a history of illegal drug abuse.
Phentermine prescribed by physicians is generally called Duromine.
Qysmia: Combination of Phentermine and topiramate
How it works: decreases appetite.
Side effects: tingling hands and feet, headache, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, birth defects in pregnant mothers, eye disorders, and faster heartbeat.
Not recommended consumed by:
Pregnant women or who are planning to conceive.
The PENGIDAP is hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, stroke, heart pain.
The drug known as Qysmia brand can be consumed in the long term.
Although proven effective, but considering the risks are not mild, it is recommended to consult a physician before consuming.
Material that has not proven its effectiveness
The following ingredients are also often contained in slimming products. But in fact there has not been a strong enough research to prove its effectiveness in losing weight.
Green Tea Extract
Consuming green tea extract along with caffeine can slightly reduce body mass index. However, these benefits will not be gained if green tea extracts are not consumed with caffeine.
Green Coffee Extract
Green Coffee extract or green coffee is taken from unbaked coffee beans. In a study, it was found that the long-term weight loss effect of this substance was very small and still insufficient evidence to assert that green coffee extract is effective and safe in the long term.
Chitosan
Chitosan is a sugar-like compound found in shrimp, lobster, and crab shells. Taking chitosan without calorie burning will not be beneficial to lose weight.
Chromium
These compounds are believed to increase insulin hormones. Nevertheless, most of the research finds that eating chromium orally is not beneficial to lose weight.
Acai Beri
Various products that contain this type of berries are believed to help lose weight. However, until now there has been no research that can prove it.
Garcinia Cambogia
Eating Garcinia Cambogia is believed to decrease appetite and prevent fat formation. In a study it was found that weight loss when consuming a drug that contains this compound is insignificant and still requires long-term research.
If the above ingredients are contained in the slimming drug you choose, then the drug has not been proven effective for weight loss.
Hazardous substances
The circulation of slimming products containing the following ingredients have been banned because of the risk of harmful health.
Sibutramin
Cause seizures, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, stroke, heart attack.
Ephedra
This ingredient affects blood sugar levels, causes high blood pressure, and results in poisoning and death if children are consumed. Since the year 2001, BPOM has banned the distribution of products containing ephedra.
Rimonabant (Zimulti)
Associated with increased risk of mood disorders, depression, insomnia, and even the emergence of a desire to commit suicide.
Phenytoin
Used for the treatment of epilepsy. May cause joint pain, jaundice, bleeding, anemia, bone weakness, and increased blood sugar levels.
To prevent harmful risks, avoid taking slimming drugs that contain the above ingredients.
Getting the best benefit from slimming drugs
The above risks do not mean making you must at all avoid slimming drugs. Products with effective content that is classified as safe can still provide benefits if consumed with the following guidelines.
Check the label and understand the risks.
Each slimming drug, including those sold freely, is not necessarily free of risk. Always read the rules of use and side effects, especially if you have a certain disease.
Consult a doctor.
Before taking a slimming drug, it is good to talk about it first with a doctor. Besides examining whether you are indeed overweight, your doctor may be able to prescribe a diet drug that is minimal side effects, especially if you are taking other medications at the same time.
Change your lifestyle.
In general the drug is recommended to be consumed within a limited period. The benefits and effects will not take place in the long run if not accompanied by lifestyle changes. Selectively choosing healthy food and exercising regularly remains the foundation of losing weight.
In addition to risky, slimming drugs do not necessarily bring the same benefits if consumed by different people. Make this product just as complementary in addition to the main effort to reduce weight. You can try a natural diet and exercise regularly achieving maximum results.