Weight Loss Articles

Most people who are looking to lose weight want to do it the easy way.

If there's a way for you to drop a couple of pounds without having the sweat away at the gym, wouldn't you be one of the first in line to find out how?

Frankly, I would too.

Unfortunately, this quest for weight loss shortcuts can have a very bad effect on our health.

Recently, a Wall Street Journal article pointed out that a growing number of people are pursuing the ?off label? use of drugs for weight loss.

"Off label" simply means using the medicine for something else than the original intended use of the medicine. In this case, some people are using these to help them to lose weight.

For example, Adderal (commonly prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder), and Topamax (for seizures and migraines) are commonly used.

Apart from the fact that these drugs are not formulated to help with weight loss specifically to begin with, the problem with using these drugs is that they often come with very bad side effects. Adderal can cause heart problems, aggression and insomnia; whilst Topamax can cause hyperventilation and fatigue.

Another abused drug, Wellbutrin (an antidepressant), can even increase suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who take these pills because they want the ultimate weight loss shortcuts. They want to lose weight but do not want to control their diets and exercise.

Here's a word of warning: Please do not go down this slippery path. These drugs' side effects are dangerous.

There were never designed to help you to lose weight. Using them does not guarantee you will lose weight, and they can give you more new problems.

Yes, you want to lose the extra pounds, but it doesn't make sense if this means getting yourself into more serious health problems, right? It's simply not worth it.

Copyright 2006 Ethan Lewis