Slimming pills are popular option for weight loss, but beware of potential side effects.
Slimming pills may be suitable for people with specific health problems or deficiencies that contribute to their excess weight, says Dr Shanker Pasupathy, Senior Consultant and Director of the LIFE Centre, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group. But it is important for these drugs to be prescribed by a medical practitioner after a proper health assessment.
Weight loss pills acquired from online sources or other dubious sources without a doctor’s assessment, can be harmful for health. “They can lead to serious complications such as organ dysfunction or failure, if used inappropriately,” warns Dr Pasupathy.
Weight loss pills work in different ways depending on their formulation. They may:
Side effects of slimming pills
All three types of slimming pills have been associated with a variety of side effects.
Appetite suppressants: These are stimulants and can have side effects such as:
Many have been withdrawn from the market after being found to increase the mortality rate and the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.
Pills that boost metabolism: These slimming pills have been associated with psychological and physiological changes that are similar to those seen with appetite suppressants.
Pills that reduce fat absorption: These slimming pills have been associated with liver injury. Side effects affecting the liver can lead to symptoms such as:
A doctor will prescribe slimming pills after taking into consideration your health history and the other medications you are taking. “Anyone on weight loss pills needs to be closely monitored by a physician, particularly with regard to blood pressure. It’s actually a huge responsibility,” says Dr Pasupathy.
The correct way to prescribe these weight loss drugs is to start with a lower dose and increase it gradually. In addition, they should only be prescribed for a short duration of time, averaging 6 weeks to 3 months.
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Ref: S13
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