The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new drug, Belviq, for weight loss targeting to obese adults who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. This is the first drug for weight loss that is approved since 13 years ago.
How does Belviq work?
Belviq works by controlling the appetite. It activates the brain receptor for Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that triggers the feeling of satiety and satisfaction after a meal.
How effective is it?
According to trial results on 8000 obese and overweight volunteers, 50% of the dieters who do not have Type 2 diabetes, achieved a reduction of 5% of weight over one year period compared to 23% of the dieters who took placebo.
Among those dieters with Type 2 diabetes, 38% of the dieters who took Belviq lost at least 5% of weight compared to 16% of the dieters who took placebo.
Are there any side effects?
All drugs have side effects. Belviq side effects are headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation. There is a concern that it can cause tumors in animals and heart valve defects in people.
Despite the serious sides effects of Belviq, the growing epidemic of obesity in the United States has led FDA to justify the use of this drug.
Fenfluramin, a similar Serotonin based drug was removed from the market in 1997 because of the same heart concern. Manipulating the body’s weight controlling pathway can have a long-term consequence on the heart and other metabolic system.
Considering that Belviq is a drug and all drugs have side effects. No amount of weight loss is worth the side effects. So, the best way to lose weight in the long-term is to change to a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a high protein diet.
- Eat at least 5-7 portions of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables help weight loss.
- Avoid eating refined carbohydrates. Instead, focus on good carbohydrates from whole grains.
- Take good fats from nuts, seeds, and Omega-3 from olive oil, walnut oil and deep ocean fish. Avoid saturated fats from deep-frying, meat and dairy.
- Get enough sleep.
- Exercise regularly – half an hour daily is a good start.
- Cleanse your digestive system regularly.
Don’t rely on drugs to provide a long-term solution to your weight loss. If you need help, contact me and let my natural program help you to change your lifestyle and achieve the long-term weight loss.
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