FAT FIGHTERS IN YOUR FUTURE!!!!

 

 

It always brings a sigh of relief when you hear about a new drug that will
help you fight the battle of the bulge. Great you say. Now I can have a
Krispy Kreme once in a while and put the whipped cream back on that
Frappicinno. Not so fast ......

The American Academy of Family Physicians is going to step up their program
to make sure all adults and children are screened for obesity. In other words
 they've got your back ...with the extra fat on it ,not to mention your waistline .
 Ouch. 

In 2012 the U.S. Preventative Task Force issued a recommendation that all
 adults be screened for obesity. That means a body index of 30 kg/m2 or greater.
 At this point you may be wondering if that means you. Pretty sure it is if you
have to ask. So find out. Face the reality. Your family doctors are endorsing this
 so don’t be surprised if the issue of weight comes up. Hey they’re just trying
to help you not insult you. After all obesity (which is 30% over the ideal weight
 for your height) causes cardiovascular disease type 2 diabetes and even various
 types of cancer.

Of course cutting back on the food and pumping up the exercise would solve
that. Duh. But that's where the problem lies. It's easier of say it than actually
do it. The American of Sports Medicine is recommending that adults perform
at least  150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. Minimum and
in muscle strength coordinating exercise that involve all muscle groups...   

There are several drugs on the horizon that the health field is considering.
 Let’s review the good the bad and the ugly.

 First there's Oristate. Also know as Alli. It's over the counter and is used in

conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. It's famous for oil spotting. Whaaat??

It's $150.00 a month. Second in the line up is Lorcaserin .Again this is an adjunct

 to a reduced calorie diet. This aids weight loss. It was initially denied approval

because the health risks outweighed the benefits. Like orlistat, locaserin is

indicated for obese patients with at least on weight related problem like diabetes

 or hypertension. In the studies 47% of the participants lost at least 5% of their

 body weight. You do the math. It is approved but not yet available pending a

 decision to designate it as a controlled substance. When it is available it will

cost $120.00 a month.

 

Next is Phentermin topiramate . You may remember phentermine for some

fast weight loss and scary heart problems from a decade ago.  Topiramate is

an anti convulsant drug.  Wow, that really takes the sting oout...right?. Originally

 this  was not approved by the FDA because of potential adverse effects like

 increased  heart rate depression and suicidal  thoughts. Great, just what we

all need to worry about....as if fitting in that bathing suit didn't do that already.

 As far as results go 70% of patients taking the recommended dose  lost at least

 5% of their body weight. It has to be discontinued gradually  because abrupt

cessation has been associated with seizures. Now that's enough to get me back

on the treadmill with a celery stalk.Cost when available will be 180 a month.

 Is it just me, but I see a scary outcome here.

 

I am at a loss for words. Why is it that drugs for erectile dysfunction only have

side effects  like  "if you have an erection for four hours go to the emergency room,"

which I'm sure would be a badge of honor around all those cute nurses.  Yet one lousy

pill to peel off the pounds sounds like a death threat. Blaaaaa!!!!