Taking diet pills comes with consequences
Heart palpitations, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, possible side effects
Kastenson, Dana
Issue date: 2/27/06 Section: Money/Health
According to the FDA, it is estimated that Americans spend over $60 billion on diet pills.
However, out of this, about $6 billion go to products that are fraudulent and potentially dangerous.
There are over one hundred varieties of diet pills, pharmacist Tim Elzin of Eau Claire Pharmacy, 2741 N. Clairemont, said.
Some of the most common are Dexatrim, Sibutramin and Orlistat, but while there are so many different varieties, they are all made up of the same elements, Elzin said, addng that most of the diet pills
are stimulants made up of caffeine.
"Basically, they are stimulants or diuretics which help to get rid of weight," he said.
Sibutramin, commonly known as the prescription medication Meridia, changes the brain chemistry, which makes the person feel fuller after eating, according to the Web site.
Orlistat on the other hand, he said, prevents absorption of fat in the intestines.
However, these come with consequences, Elzin said, because since many of the drugs are stimulants, sleep problems can occur.
Also, heart palpitations and diarrhea are common, he said.
However, Mayo Clinic said with Sibutramin, increased blood pressure, headaches, dry mouth and constipation can be side effects.
Orlistat can cause bloating and abdominal pain, as well as diarrhea.
Dr. Mary Frohnauer of Marshfield Clinic, 2116 Craig Road, said that a doctor will prescribe these medications if people meet specific classifications.
She said if other methods of weight loss haven't worked, if someone has a body mass index of more than 27 and has symptoms of obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, then they can get a prescription.
However, Frohnauer said that many insurance companies don't cover these medications.
Senior Megan Junkin said she does not agree with people who take diet pills. "I don't think there is a point; There's no really quick fix."
Though these medications may work, the Mayo Clinic stresses other important factors when taking these prescriptions.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Sibutramin is not recommended for people with a history of high blood pressure.Oristat can decrease the absorption of certain vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E, according to the Mayo Clinic, and then a patient will have to take supplements along with the drug.
Cutting back on calories, exercising more, and watching portion sizes all are suggested by the Mayo Clinic to lose weight safely and keep it off.
Walgreen's, 1106 W. Clairemont, saw $107 worth of diet supplements sold in January.
Keith Speah said this is due to the common New Year's goal of weight loss.
"Generally during the first of the year, many people are buying them because they are on their resolutions," he said.
However, out of this, about $6 billion go to products that are fraudulent and potentially dangerous.
There are over one hundred varieties of diet pills, pharmacist Tim Elzin of Eau Claire Pharmacy, 2741 N. Clairemont, said.
Some of the most common are Dexatrim, Sibutramin and Orlistat, but while there are so many different varieties, they are all made up of the same elements, Elzin said, addng that most of the diet pills
are stimulants made up of caffeine.
"Basically, they are stimulants or diuretics which help to get rid of weight," he said.
Sibutramin, commonly known as the prescription medication Meridia, changes the brain chemistry, which makes the person feel fuller after eating, according to the Web site.
Orlistat on the other hand, he said, prevents absorption of fat in the intestines.
However, these come with consequences, Elzin said, because since many of the drugs are stimulants, sleep problems can occur.
Also, heart palpitations and diarrhea are common, he said.
However, Mayo Clinic said with Sibutramin, increased blood pressure, headaches, dry mouth and constipation can be side effects.
Orlistat can cause bloating and abdominal pain, as well as diarrhea.
Dr. Mary Frohnauer of Marshfield Clinic, 2116 Craig Road, said that a doctor will prescribe these medications if people meet specific classifications.
She said if other methods of weight loss haven't worked, if someone has a body mass index of more than 27 and has symptoms of obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, then they can get a prescription.
However, Frohnauer said that many insurance companies don't cover these medications.
Senior Megan Junkin said she does not agree with people who take diet pills. "I don't think there is a point; There's no really quick fix."
Though these medications may work, the Mayo Clinic stresses other important factors when taking these prescriptions.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Sibutramin is not recommended for people with a history of high blood pressure.Oristat can decrease the absorption of certain vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E, according to the Mayo Clinic, and then a patient will have to take supplements along with the drug.
Cutting back on calories, exercising more, and watching portion sizes all are suggested by the Mayo Clinic to lose weight safely and keep it off.
Walgreen's, 1106 W. Clairemont, saw $107 worth of diet supplements sold in January.
Keith Speah said this is due to the common New Year's goal of weight loss.
"Generally during the first of the year, many people are buying them because they are on their resolutions," he said.