Individuals who chronically struggle with weight gain or obesity will soon be able to start taking a pill to help lose weight. The FDA approved the pill and says that when used in conjunction with lower-calorie meals and regular exercise can help maintain a healthier body weight. The drug works by activating a receptor in the brain that helps the person eat less but still feel full. People that participated in studies while taking the drug showed overall, a 5% weight loss.[1] While that might not seem like a lot, it really has a positive impact on other health issues related to obesity, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The FDA will require the drug manufacturer to complete six studies, including some that evaluate the risk of heart attack and stroke.
This drug shouldn’t be the first thing you turn to for losing weight, however. Before you start reaching for pills, try every other possible natural method there is! Combating obesity is hard, no doubt. But including regular exercise and eating well is good not only for your weight but for your overall longevity.
Not sure how to get yourself motivated to get exercising? Baby steps are good. Literally. Start by walking a little bit at a time a day. Try walking for 10 minutes at your lunch break, and then gradually increase the length of time every day. At the same time, cut out the high fat snacks during the day. Ditch the donuts at breakfast and reach for some yogurt instead. Instead of a brownie at lunch for dessert, munch on some fresh fruit. There are lots of ways to cut back on the munching and starting working out more. Need some motivation? Get your friends involved. Walking or running with a friend makes the time go faster and helps keep you accountable on a daily and weekly basis!
You only get one heart. You only get one body. Taking care of it is of the utmost importance.
[1] Caruso, Georgiann. “FDA approves drug to treat some obese, overweight adults.” CNN.com. June 27, 2012. http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/27/fda-approves-drug-to-treat-some-obese-overweight-adults/?hpt=he_c1 Accessed June 27, 2012.