Weight loss drugs
This is not medical advice.
Back in the 90’s there were some medications prescribed for osteoporosis. One of the “unknown” side effects was that they may cause spontaneous hip fractures. Yes, you read that correctly. The people who were most vulnerable were given a medication that could cause their femur to suddenly fracture while they were walking. There is an approximately 20% chance of dying within one year of a hip fracture in elderly patients.
Imagine if there was this new miracle drug for weight loss, that was also a registered trademark, so we couldn’t mention it by name. Let’s say it’s named Oschizia. I would snarkily rename it NOschizia!
I wonder what the side effects of that drug would be?
Here are some possible side effects, directly from some mysterious website;
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, ___________and medicines that work like __________ caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if __________ will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.
inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using ________ and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
changes in vision. Tell your health care provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with ________.
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use __________ with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
serious allergic reactions. Stop using __________ and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take ________. Tell your health care provider right away if you get symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
The most common side effects of _________ may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.
The Rumors
The rumors amongst the interwebs of personal training hacks like myself, is that this miracle cure for weight loss;
May require you to be on it forever
May have a rebound effect when you get off of it
Causes muscle loss (major bummer)
The Alternative?
Food, especially sugar, is a very addictive substance and very difficult to moderate. I think it requires a more honest discussion about weight loss.
