The rise in numbers of obese adults in the U.S. rose to 34 percent in 2007. There has also been a rise in awareness that obesity may increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer. This increased knowledge has prompted many people to turn to weight loss methods. Many people have turned to drugs as an easy fix. Weight loss pills are a solution that is not just ineffective but may also cause additional harm.
On March 20, 2009 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a nationwide report to alert consumers about tainted weight loss drugs. The FDA added three new weight loss products to update the current list, which now includes 72 weight loss drugs that may cause harm. It is important that the public is aware of these drugs because many can still be purchased in retail stores and online, labeled as herbal or natural products
The FDA stated that “these tainted weight loss products pose a great risk to the public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed maximum recommended dosages”(2). The FDA warns that taking the products that contain the undeclared ingredients may cause “high blood pressure, seizures, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, heart attack and stroke
The FDA recommends that anyone who has used any of the tainted weight loss drugs to stop using them and contact the doctor immediately.
The three weight loss drugs added
- Herbal Xenicol: an herb that is to work in your intestines to block fat from being absorbed.
- Slimbionic: a weigh loss tea that is said to speed up your metabolism and melt away body fat
- Xsvelten:herb that is said to strengthen the waist
Undeclared Ingredients
- Fenproporex: a controlled substance not approved for market in the U.S.
- Fluoxetine: an antidepressant available by prescription only
- Furosemide: a potent diuretic available by prescription only
- Cetilistat: an experimental obesity drug not approved for market in the U.S.
Don’t take the needless risks by using a weight loss drug for a quick solution to weight loss. A person should focus on being active for 30-60 minutes everyday, increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, focus on the intake of whole grains, choosing lean meats, avoid saturated fats, select low fat dairy products and limit salt intake . It is also important to not skip meals, eat fewer unplanned snacks and watching portion sizes.
The Complete List of Tainted Weight Loss Drugs
References:
- Center for Disease Control
- FDA News
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