Weight Loss Tablets: Are They Safe?
Many people struggle to lose weight, even when they maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Individuals can find it hard to shift excess weight, sometimes because of hormonal changes or genetic predispositions. However, there are popular methods that can help with weight loss, such as weight loss tablets.
Weight loss tablets are a well-known method for people to lose weight, especially individuals who medically identify as obese or morbidly obese. There are now weight loss tablets that are available on prescription to combat obesity and to aid individuals in achieving a healthier BMI.
There are many different benefits to weight loss tablets, but there are also common misconceptions too. Here we will discuss weight loss tablets and if they are safe.
How do weight loss tablets work?
There are two different forms of weight loss tablets: prescription drugs and supplements you can buy online or in your local pharmacy.
Prescription weight loss pills will need to be reviewed by your doctor and will require medical monitoring throughout the course of treatment.
Weight loss supplements have different ingredients and so do not require a prescription and virtually anyone can purchase them if they want to aid in their weight loss.
Weight loss tablets, as a whole, work in different ways depending on their base ingredients. Some work to increase your metabolism which helps to burn excess fat, whereas others limit the amount of fat your body can absorb. Some work by lowering your appetite, causing you to eat less.
It’s important to note that both prescription and over the counter weight loss tablets require the user to put in the work for weight loss tablets to perform at their best. They should not be seen as a quick fix and users should not expect them to work immediately.
It’s best to use weight loss tablets alongside a healthy diet and active lifestyle to gain the best possible results.
Are weight loss tablets safe?
With any form of medication or supplement, there can be potential side effects. Prescribed weight loss tablets and over-the-counter supplements are generally safe to use as they have been approved by medical professionals. However, varying side effects are linked with different types of weight loss tablets.
Weight loss tablets may cause diarrhoea or constipation, vomiting or nausea. They have also been known to cause increased heart rates, low or high blood pressure. More serious side effects may include suicidal thoughts, kidney and gallbladder disease and insomnia.
These side effects can vary between different forms of medication so it’s best to read the medical information leaflet for specific weight loss pills.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions before you start taking prescription drugs, your doctor may advise a particular form of weight loss medication in order to limit potential side effects that may be damaging to your overall health.
You may also be required to attend regular checkups with your GP in order to monitor and prevent serious side effects from occurring.
What are the different types of weight loss tablets?
There are several different forms of prescription weight loss tablets available. At Pharmacy Online, we supply 3 different forms of weight loss medication:
Orlistat
Also known by the brand Xenical - prevents the breakdown of triglycerides in the intestine. Basically, it stops free fatty acids from our diet from being absorbed by the body and are excreted from the body.
These tablets do not suppress appetite and so will need to be used alongside a healthy, low fat diet and regular exercise regime for this medication to work properly.
Xenical
The branded version of Orlistat, this also works by breaking down triglycerides and does not suppress appetite. It is taken with meals 3 times a day.
Saxenda
Saxenda works by suppressing the appetite. It contains an ingredient called liraglutide which helps to regulate hunger and replicates a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. It is injected into the skin and is known to aid weight loss as it suppresses appetite, causing users to eat less calories in general.
Before you order any prescription drugs online, it’s vital that you research all potential side effects and discuss your health concerns with a medical professional before you start taking any form of medication.
If you are obese or concerned about your weight, speak to a member of the Pharmacy Online team for an online consultation. We will be happy to provide you with advice and suggest certain weight loss medications that can help you lose weight safely.
Start your weight loss medication consultation with Pharmacy Online today.
