5 Misconceptions About Weight Loss Treatments

The concept of weight loss treatments as a means to get rid of excess weight is widely misunderstood.

Aside from the obvious aesthetic concerns (we all want that elusive beach body), working your way towards maintaining a healthy weight is imperative for other reasons as well, particularly if you’re overweight. According to the World Health Organization, for those who are overweight, losing even 10% of their body weight can improve blood glucose control, reduce blood pressure, control cholesterol levels and improve sleep quality. It can also alleviate osteoarthritis, back and joint pain, which is commonly exacerbated by excess weight.

The tried and tested ‘nutrition and exercise’ approach is often the offender in scenarios of disappointment, mostly due to slow results. However, this can usually be accounted for by a careful examination of how compliant with their health plans; the dieters really were and generally can be corrected by stricter lifestyle adjustments and patience- a potent combination with the potential to yield spectacular outcomes.

On the other hand, people who usually turn to alternative methods and treatments, commonly sold under the regrettably misused banner of ‘weight-loss treatments’, face dissatisfaction of a different kind: they never really build the healthy relationship with their bodies that exercisers and healthy eaters do. Furthermore, the results they achieve are transient and typically difficult to maintain for any extended period. This can be attributed to the lack of knowledge surrounding said treatments as well as misinformation about their usage and effects.

In the rest of the article, we will take you through some myths as well as misconceptions that need clarification, especially regarding weight loss treatments (anti-obesity medications). Hopefully, the content below will help you get back on track, i.e., well on your way to achieving your target bodyweight, but this time in a healthy manner.

Misconception 1. Weight loss supplements are magic pills

When taking weight loss supplements, people tend to relax on their weight-reducing diet and exercise, expecting the pills to ‘do it all’. While several fat burning and weight loss supplements do appear to have proven results according to studies, said results only manifest when used as an add on to appropriate lifestyle changes like proper diet and regular exercise.

This is, unfortunately, not the case as many misguided seekers of quick fixes that want to magically turn their winter fluff into the summer beach body of their dreams turn to supplements as a standalone approach to weight loss.

Such drugs (like Orlistat) act by reducing fat that is absorbed from your diet by inhibiting its breakdown. It has been shown to increase weight loss, but the term ‘supplement’ in and of itself means that these are intended to supplement proper nutrition and a well-rounded exercise regime, and will show little to no results when used on their own. Therefore, going about this the wrong way is not only a drain on one’s money, but it also sets people up for failure from the get-go.

Basically, you can either go the correct, albeit harder, way…. or ask your fairy godmother to wave her magic wand.

Misconception 2: Weight loss treatments are for anyone and everyone

No, no, and another resounding no! Even though they are touted as the solution to all of humanity’s problems, medical weight loss treatments are meant for a few, specific categories of people.

Such weight loss programs that include the ingestion of the pharmaceutical drugs like Orlistat are actually only recommended for people who are overweight or obese (BMI of 30 or more) or who are overweight and have other medical problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

Among those who come under these categories, these supplements are ideally prescribed only to the ones who have repeatedly failed at attempts at weight loss using lifestyle methods and can demonstrate that they are capable of implementing and maintaining a proper diet and exercise regime.

Misconception 3: There is no harm in giving them a try

Err, when was the last time a pill didn’t have potential side effects? Oh yeah, never.

Orlistat (and other weight loss drugs) are known to cause some unpleasant digestive side effects like stomach cramps, loose or oily stools, frequent and uncontrollable bowel movements and increased flatulence. They have also been suspected of contributing to deficiencies in vitamins E, A, D and K, also known as fat-soluble vitamins.

It is evident from this that these pills are definitely not something that you can just take a crack at on a whim. When considering these (after receiving the go-ahead from your physician), it is essential to re-structure your diet to make it low in fats to help reduce side effects. As is said, nutrition is vital.

Misconception 4: I’ll be ready for the beach by next week

It is unrealistic expectations galore for most people undertaking any weight loss plan, but more so for those on weight loss supplements. Often people expect to see the number on the scale to drop in a week and get frustrated when it doesn’t.

The harsh reality is that these take time, as well. While an initial loss of some weight may be noticed in the first month, it can take up to a year to lose 10% of original body weight through supplements along with appropriate diet and exercise.

There is no quick fix to being overweight- it takes perseverance, effort and consistency.

Misconception 5: Weight once lost, stays lost

Another aspect to consider when dealing with weight loss treatments and pills is their long term efficacy. These pills don’t keep the weight off forever. There is no such thing as a permanent solution- except if it involves improving diet and increased activity.

During the treatment, results are usually seen as long as the treatment continues. However, on discontinuing the weight loss supplements, there may be a gradual reversal of weight loss if the necessary behavioural and lifestyle changes are not made and proper care is not taken to avoid slipping back into old habits.

The bottom line is this: a regime of weight loss treatments should only be undertaken if managed and guided by a physician, and if the required accompanying measures can be followed. If you feel like you might need to start a weight loss treatment, make sure to consult your physician first. Ascertaining the indications, contraindications, interactions with other drugs and dosages is crucial for treatment success. Alternatively, ask for expert medical advice about these medications, and buy the weight loss treatments themselves, at Click pharmacy, which has its own team of healthcare professionals who are available for a consultation at any time.