Studies show that more people are getting overweight every year. Alarmingly, this happens not only to adults but also to kids who have just started school. Factors that affect obesity are genetics, overeating and type of food intake. Metabolism gradually slows down, making it more difficult to burn recently eaten food. There are many ways to solve this problem. Some decide to undergo surgery while others exercise and change their dietary intake; these take time. People who can’t wait are tempted to take the fastest way out: weight loss drugs.

During the 1950s until the late ‘90s, doctors prescribed drugs for weight loss. These drugs work by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain, making one believe that the stomach is already full. They also increase a person’s metabolic rate.

When scientists discovered that people who took these diet pills developed disease of the heart valves as an adverse effect, the drugs were withdrawn from the market. Later on, new drugs were made and prescribed by doctors. Many are still awaiting FDA approval.

That one can dramatically reduce weight with a simple drug is very appealing: there would be no need to change the diet or sacrifice habits. Many are enticed by friends or family members who used the diet pills saw incredible improvement. Drug companies earn millions each year from diet pills bought by consumers.

Some diet pills may be bought over-the-counter, others require a prescription. Even with improvements in medicine, these drugs may still cause diarrhea, vomiting, and more serious symptoms such as chest tightness and urinary tract problems. They occasionally lead to heart attack or stroke, which can be fatal.

People should make sure they take only the right amount of these drugs because overdose of the pills can cause confusion, shallow breathing, tremors, hallucinations, renal failure, convulsions, and worse, a heart attack.

Side effects differ depending on the health and lifestyle of the person. To minimize adverse effects, one should seek a doctor’s opinion before taking these medications. Studies have shown that patients also develop symptoms when stopping use of these drugs. Effects include hyperactivity, mood swings, and stomach pain. Insomnia and nightmares, extreme fatigue, nausea, severe irritability, depression, trembling, and vomiting are also possible.

Many clinical tests show that drugs taken to lose weight are effective. However, this does not preclude the benefits of a low-calorie diet and an effective exercise plan.