Weight Loss Drug – Miracle Cure or Not
Weight Loss Drug Reviewed
With obesity rates at an all time high, drug companies are hard at work trying to find the next “quick-fix”. Most recently the drug QNexa was up for review by the Food and Drug Administration expert advisory panel. Qnexa is a combination drug which includes the ingredients phentermine – of the weight loss drug fen-phen which was removed from the market years ago – and topiramate. In a vote on July 15, 2010, the panel did not approve the drug for use in weight loss. Reasons cited include the list of side effects and other safety concerns that need to be addressed. Side effects ranged from birth defects to increased suicide risk.
As with any other “miracle drug” the fine print always points out that the weight loss drug needs to be used in conjunction with a fitness program and a sound nutrition plan. Drug companies, however, know that the success of weight loss lies in diet and exercise. Yet they prey on the vulnerability and emotion of the overweight and obese; they count on the fact that we, as a “microwave society”, want results and we want them now. So they tout the “miracle” powers of the next wonder drug knowing that with their expensive marketing and advertising dollars, they will convince us that it is exactly what we need to finally lose the pounds.
Miracle Weight Loss: Diet and Exercise
Weight loss is possible without the use of any weight loss drug to be successful. The road will be long and the journey may be tough but it is achievable with a sound nutrition plan and a well-rounded fitness program. No gimmicks. No miracle pills. All you need is a little hard work, determination, motivation and to arm yourself with a little knowledge. As always, before beginning any new exercise or nutrition program it is best to consult with a doctor to get clearance.
The biggest part of the equation in achieving weight loss results lies in your diet. A healthy nutrition plan includes foods from sources as close to nature as possible with a balanced ratio of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Processed foods should be limited in a healthy nutrition plan. A wholesome meal plan will include a variety of vegetables, lean cuts of meat, low-glycemic carbohydrates and healthy fats.
The second biggest component in attaining lasting weight loss results is a well-rounded fitness program. This should include cardiovascular activity to burn fat, strength training to build muscles and flexibility to stay limber. A big mistake new exercisers make, when weight loss is the goal, is to only include cardiovascular exercise in their program in an attempt to burn more. Strength training is equally important because it discourages muscle loss that sometimes follows a reduced calorie diet plan. Also important to remember is that muscle is metabolically active tissue that burns calories.
When beginning an exercise program it is always recommended to start slow to avoid the risk of injury, overtraining or burnout. Slow and steady is the best approach, begin with 30 minutes most days of the week and as you become more physically fit, increase the amount of exercise gradually. It is also important to include activities you enjoy as you will be more likely to stick to the fitness plan. For help in designing a sound fitness program you may want to enlist the help of a certified personal trainer.
Some of the known side effects of a diet and exercise approach to weight loss include improved health, lower cholesterol, increased energy levels, reduced risk of diabetes or heart disease and better sleep patterns. Compare that to the side effects of loose stools, heart palpitations or increased suicide risk the decision to eat right and exercise should be easy. Seems like an easy choice to me.
For more fitness and nutrition information.
