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Side Effects of Weight Loss Drugs

Being overweight can be frustrating. People who fall into this category try a lot of different methods and approaches to lose weight that often don't work out. When this is the case, they often resort to the use of weight loss drugs. Some of the most popular ones include Orlistat, Phentermine, Xenicol and Meridia. Although these drugs may end up causing weight loss, they also can come with some unwanted side effects.

  1. Dependency

    • When people use a supplement or drug that gives them results, they often times get hooked on it, or addicted. When this happens, they cannot function without its use. Being that weight loss drugs are only supposed to be used for a designated period of time, someone who uses them may end up relying on them all the time and become dependent.

    Stool

    • A lot of weight loss drugs block the absorption of certain nutrients like fats and carbohydrates. With that being the case, some side effects include oily gas, fat deposits in the stool and an orange colored stool. The bowels can also become irritated and diarrhea can develop.

    Pain

    • Other than the intestinal side effects that can be seen with weight loss drugs, the stomach can also suffer other symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, pain in the rectum and stomach cramps can be seen. Constipation can also develop occur that can add to the stomach pain.

    Allergies

    • Allergic reactions are usually caused from food, air or some type of animal, but they can also be set off by medications such as weight loss drugs. Some side effects that can be seen include rashes on the skin such as hives, labored breathing and swelling of the face and lips. In the worst of situations, anaphylaxis can take place where the throat can swell shut, blood pressure goes up and the whole body has a severe reaction.

    Complications

    • When it comes to taking weight loss drugs, there are always some complications and considerations involved that need to be looked at before using them. People who have liver disease, kidney disease or gallstones should not take them. People who have heart disease, high blood pressure or a family history of strokes should not take them, and people who have a seizure disorder like epilepsy should not use them either.

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