Individuals
who are classed as clinically obese
(Body Mass Index or BMI over 30) or
who are overweight
(BMI between 25 and 30) and have or
are at risk from medical conditions
which are related to their weight
or body fat, such as diabetes, high
cholesterol, or hypertension.
With the exception of
Xenical,
all of the current prescription drugs
for weight loss act on the brain to
reduce appetite. However, these drugs
may have side effects (central nervous
system and cardiovascular), ranging
from minor to severe and are indicated
only for short term use. Importantly,
these drugs do little or nothing to
help people change their eating habits
or lifestyles. Therefore, when they
stop taking the drugs, the weight
is quickly regained. Xenical,
on the other hand, blocks the digestion
and absorption of fat and helps to
control fat intake.
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