Obesity is fast becoming the number one health problem in developed and developing countries around the world; this situation is now affecting children of pre-school age and is a worrying aspect. In order to lose those excess pounds, many people resort to surgery whereas other people realize that a healthy diet with regular exercise is a better method. Impatience to see results usually means that overweight people can frequently resort to using weight loss drugs to achieve that fast result they crave.

These drugs work in a variety of ways but mainly they try to fool the brain into thinking the stomach is full and increase the person’s metabolism. The problem arose when it was found that one of the side effects from this type of drug was the increased risk of heart valve disease and of course the drug was quickly withdrawn from use. More recently, new drugs have been developed and prescribed by doctors; many of which are still waiting for FDA approval.

These weight loss pills have become popular and you can almost guarantee that you will know of someone who has tried them with success. To many it is a wonder drug and let’s be honest, if you could lose weight that easily without having to sacrifice anything in the process, you would take them as well. This approach has seen consumers spend millions of dollars every year and has generated huge profits for the drug companies who manufacture and sell the weight loss drug.

Even with all the testing and new techniques available for manufacturers, many side effects like nausea and diarrhea still exist with the new generation of weight control pills which, incidentally, can still be purchased over the counter. The harmful side effects have not been eliminated and it is possible that you could still suffer from hallucinations, stroke, tremors and heart attacks. You would need to read the user information for a full list of all the possible side effects.

The best course of action before taking any type of pill is to consult your doctor; here are many factors that could contribute to any problems you experience and these do not necessarily stop when you cease taking the pills. For instance it is not uncommon for people taking weight control pills to experience other side effects like sleep problems, tiredness, mood swings, stomach problems and more.

Despite all the bad publicity, weight loss drugs do work but they are more successful if they are used in conjunction with a low calorie diet and regular exercise, preferably using a properly worked out exercise regime. This means eating a good diet containing food from all the food groups that includes vitamins and minerals; fiber can be found in oats, rice, potatoes, cereals, vegetables and fruits.

A person can jog every morning or sign up and workout in a gym but just as a person should consult a doctor before taking medicines, a doctor should also be consulted prior to undertaking any form of exercise. A good exercise plan with the use of weights will help improve the body’s ability to burn off the calories and maintain a healthy heart.