December 28

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Weight Loss Pills and Diabetes – A Safe or Dangerous Combination?

By Gabriela

December 28, 2020


Pills for weight loss might hold a world of promise, especially for those who have tried to follow a diet suitable for them. However, slimming pills need to be used just to support a diet, instead of relying on them for possible weight loss.

Weight loss pills might be prescribed by a physician to help fight obesity. In general, drugs that are prescribed by a physician are more likely to be safer and more effective in comparison to non-prescription tablets.

In case someone decides to buy any herbal supplements or slimming pills, they should inform their physician about it. Read on to find out more about weight loss pills and diabetes.

Weight Loss Pills and Diabetes – Who Are Diet Pills Suitable For?

Weight-loss drug therapy is made for people who:

  • Have tried to follow a diet for at least 6 months.
  • Are overweight
  • Had behavioral therapy but sadly with bad results
  • Pursued physical activity
  • Have a BMI, i.e., body mass index of 30 or more with no health risks
  • Have a BMI, i.e., body mass index of 27 or more with health risks like heart disease and diabetes

These drugs are able to jump-start losing weight. At the start by losing some weight, we might feel more motivated, get confidence, and have more energy as the pounds come off.

Bear in mind that some drugs which are used to treat type 2 diabetes, like Symlin and Byetta have weight-loss benefits, but you need to talk with your physician about that.

Also, the author of a few books on exercise and diabetes, Shery Colberg, Ph.D. talks on this topic.

According to Colberg, these weight-loss pills are not substituted for physical activity and healthful eating. She says that these pills might speed up the process of losing weight in the short run, but it is vital to focus on being physically active.

Are These Pills Safe?

The inevitable question of most people who are struggling to lose weight is – “Are weight loss pills safe?” Well, when it comes to prescribed drugs, research is done before the drug is being approved for use.

In fact, only one drug for weight loss is approved mainly for treating obesity on the NHS, orlistat.

Bear in mind that any drug which is potent enough to help us shed some pounds is also likely to have specific side effects that need to be considered before taking the drug.

The side effects might be unpleasant side effects, like nausea or bowel discomfort all the way to severe side effects, based on the treatment. For instance, the above mentioned approved drug, orlistat, has been connected with rare cases of liver injury.

Therefore, the safety of diet pills which haven’t been approved is actually less likely to be known, and it is harder to be aware of the possible risks. The best thing to do is to avoid diet pills that haven’t been approved.

Where Can We Buy Weight Loss Pills Safely?

The safest places for getting such pills is a registered pharmacy and a physician.

Reality

The reality is that there is no magic pill that can help us lose weight. We need to follow a more healthful style by being more physically active and consuming fewer calories.

These tactics are the best long-term solution when it comes to losing weight if we have diabetes. We should find an activity which is most appropriate for us and stick to it.

We need to consult a registered dietitian or our doctor about a suitable diet and do our best to follow it. Our health is in our hands.

Before We Decide to Buy Weight Loss Pills

In case someone is considering taking pills in order to lose weight, they should keep these points in mind:

  • Losing weight should be gradual in order to have lasting effects. Losing from 1 to 2 pounds per week is believed to be a healthful rate.
  • Be more physically active.
  • Follow a low-calorie, low-calorie eating plan which is recommended by a doctor or a qualified health-care professional.
  • Carefully read the labels on the foods in order to pick foods that are low in fat.
  • Check for serious interactions with your prescribed medications, if any. Consult a pharmacist or doctor in order to ensure the current drugs will not interact with the pills for losing weight.
  • Make sure to keep track of the weight loss progress by doing routine weigh-ins. According to studies, those who weigh themselves on a daily or a weekly basis have a tendency to lose more weight and maintain the loss.
  • Consult a physician about injectables. Some medications which are used to treat diabetes like Symlin and Byetta might aid weight loss.

Author

  • Gabriela

    Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Health Page, Fitness trainer and instructor has dedicated her career to educating and informing people for over 10 years. As one of the most passionate diabetes advocates, Gabi has worked tirelessly to ensure that those people receive the education and support they need to properly manage their diabetes and achieve their health, fitness and weight loss goals.

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