Most medications come with a general warning about potential side effects. While some people may experience side effects from taking prescription medications, others may not. This is why it is important to always consult your doctor before beginning a new medication regime.
One of the most commonly prescribed medications is Adipex. This medication, developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a combination of two different medications – rosiglitazone and metformin – and acts as an insulin sensitizer. This means that it can help to regulate the body’s insulin levels, resulting in lower blood sugar (glucose) levels and less dependency on insulin injections.
Is taking Adipex the right choice for losing weight? Let’s find out together.
Always Consult Your Doctor First
As we mentioned above, medications come with a general warning about potential side effects. In the case of Adipex, these side effects are usually associated with weight gain. In fact, the medication is prescribed for people who are already overweight or have a history of arthritis. Because of this, before you start taking Adipex, your doctor will need to check for food allergies and intolerances, as these can also trigger weight gain. They may also need to adjust your dose of Adipex or test you for thyroid function. If you experience any side effects that are unexpected or severe, contact your doctor immediately.
The Pros And Cons Of Adipex
From a medical standpoint, the primary benefit of Adipex is that it is a safe and effective option for people with type 2 diabetes who are already overweight or obese. The combination of these two medications has generated more than 300 studies, and the results of all these clinical trials are highly promising. More than half of these studies showed that patients taking the medication experienced a significant decrease in body weight and in the amount of visceral fat – the fat stored around your belly – compared to patients taking a placebo. Other studies have shown that those taking Adipex had healthier blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as a significant improvement in glucose tolerance (the ability to use insulin more effectively) – all of which contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
While these are all incredibly beneficial effects for patients, it is important to keep in mind the potential side effects of Adipex. As we mentioned above, this medication may cause or contribute to weight gain in some people. This effect seems to be more prominent in patients taking higher doses of the medication, or in those who are already obese prior to starting on it – though there is some evidence to suggest that even those who are not overweight may gain a little weight while on it. The most common side effects are gastro-intestinal discomfort, especially in the form of gas and bloating – these seem to affect nearly all patients taking Adipex, and they may be caused by the medication’s effect on the gut. Some people have also reported hair loss, though this is rare.
As you can see, the side effects of Adipex are numerous and varied. While many of these side effects are relatively minor – such as mild stomach discomfort – in others, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and increased risk of heart disease, the symptoms may be more severe. For this reason, it is extremely important that you discuss these potential side effects with your doctor before starting on this medication. It is also essential that you get accurate information about the side effects of the medication, as well as the benefits, from your doctor. Only then can you make an informed decision about whether or not to start taking Adipex, and how to do so safely and effectively.
How Effective Is Adipex In Losing Weight?
To assess the effectiveness of Adipex in terms of weight loss, we must first establish what constitutes weight loss and whether or not this is a healthy goal for people with diabetes. When speaking with your doctor about starting on this medication, they may ask you some questions regarding the quantity and the intensity of your previous workouts, as this can affect the results of your treatment. To begin with, let’s define what constitutes a normal weight loss and the different factors that may affect it.
As mentioned above, Adipex can cause or contribute to weight loss in some people. However, in most cases, this effect is reversible and most patients will regain some of the weight they lost once they wean off of the medication. In one study of patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking 10 mg of rosiglitazone daily, the average weight loss was 5 kg (11.2 lb) after 6 months, though this weight was regained by the end of the following year. Another study followed 71 patients with type 2 diabetes for 12 weeks to assess the effect of 5 mg of rosiglitazone, and the results showed an average weight loss of 2.8 kg (5.9 lb) – again, this weight was regained once the medication was discontinued. In both of these studies, the participants were instructed to follow a hypocaloric diet (low-calorie diet) and to increase their physical activity. Based on these studies, it would appear that while Adipex may cause or contribute to weight loss in some people, the majority of those who experience this effect are unable to maintain it.
Under What Circumstances Could Adipex Cause Weight Gain?
As we established above, in most cases, the unwanted side effect of Adipex is that it causes or contributes to weight loss in some people. However, there are some situations in which it could cause or contribute to weight gain. In general, there are two factors that affect whether or not Adipex causes weight gain: first, your body mass index (BMI) prior to starting the medication – overweight or obese people are at greater risk of experiencing this effect than those who are of normal weight; second, how long you are likely to remain on the medication. In some cases, especially in people taking high doses, Adipex may increase appetite and trigger or aggravate depression, anxiety, and mood swings. This is why it is important to discuss all of these factors with your doctor prior to starting on this medication – they may be able to advise you on whether or not Adipex is the right choice for you based on your specific situation and how you will react to it.
The Dangers Of Taking Too Much Adipex
Even in cases where Adipex does not cause weight gain in most people, it is still a very safe and effective medication for diabetics who are already overweight or obese. This combination of medications has been studied extensively and the results are extremely promising. However, as we established above, there are some dangers associated with taking too much of this medication. In some cases, especially in people taking higher doses or for longer periods of time, Adipex can cause or contribute to:
- bloating
- stomach discomfort
- headaches
- mood swings
- diabetes complications (such as kidney disease)
- aggravation of hypertension (high blood pressure)
- increased risk of heart disease
- stroke
- edema (swelling)
- hair loss
For this reason, it is always best to follow the instructions of your doctor and take the recommended dose of this medication. However, if you do experience any of the dangers listed above, especially if they are severe or persistent, then you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to find a safer and more effective alternative treatment.
Is It Worth It To Lose A Few Pounds?
Now that we got the medical part out of the way, let’s find out if it is actually worth losing a few pounds in 2019. As we established above, Adipex can cause or contribute to weight loss in some people – however, in most cases, this effect is reversible and the majority of patients will regain some of the weight they lost once they wean off of the medication. Also, as we established above, there are some circumstances where this medication can cause or aggravate some of the conditions it is designed to treat – such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings. In these cases, it could be dangerous to lose weight, especially if it is excessive. Even in cases where the benefits outweigh the risks, it is still not worth risking your health by taking off more than a few pounds in one go.