Obesity Is Probably Our Number One Health Problem

Obesity is fast becoming the number one health problem in developed and developing countries around the world; there are now large numbers of children just starting school that have a weight problem. In order to lose those excess pounds, many people resort to surgery whereas other people realize that a healthy diet with regular exercise is a better method. Although no-one becomes overweight overnight, it seems that people want to lose this weight in as short a time as possible so a number decide to use weight loss drugs.

The idea behind the drugs is to quicken each person's metabolism enabling the weight to be lost much quicker. That was all well and good until the point where more research had concluded that there was an increased risk of heart valve disease and as a consequence the drugs were withdrawn. Not to be defeated though, manufacturers have introduced updated drugs, prescribed by doctors but the FDA approval process is slow.

The use of drugs that help weight reduction has become so commonplace that it is almost certain that you know of someone who has tried them. The idea that a simple drug can change your body shape without the need to change the diet or sacrificing those pleasures in life can be very tempting. Many millions of dollars are spent each year in The United States alone whilst the drug manufacturers spend huge sums on further research into weight loss drugs.

An individual wishing to buy weight control pills can do so over-the-counter or have them prescribed by their doctor; however there are still health risks associated with their use. But they are not the only side effects and some can be more harmful than others. These include heart attacks, tremors, strokes, hallucinations and renal failure. The side effects will depend on the person taking the medicine and can be related to their lifestyle; a consultation with the doctor first, rather than buying them over the counter, can help to reduce side effects; stopping using the drugs completely may not eradicate all the problems they may have caused. Problems like depression, nausea, bad mood swings, nightmares, insomnia for example have all been reported when a person has stopped taking the weight control pills.

Generally from the reports it would seem that the effectiveness of weight loss drugs is improved if they are combined with a regular exercise program and a low calorie diet. The type of balanced food groups would be oats, cereals, rice, potatoes with fruit and vegetables as the best source of minerals, fiber and vitamins. Exercise can be done in whatever form suits the individual best but it should incorporate fat-burning exercises that will burn up any excess calories. A good exercise plan with the use of weights will help improve the body's ability to burn off the calories and maintain a healthy heart.