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!!!!
