Some health benefits gained by prescription weight loss drugs

It's painfully evident that the market is saturated with pills, gadgets and miracle drugs bragging about their fantastic ability to help you conquer your weight loss once and for all. It's a billion dollar industry that feeds off of the hope that most consumers aren't reading the fine print on the packaging. The overwhelming majority of these drugs do not have any FDA approval and do not always provide the results users are hoping for.

One bright spot in this crowded field is Xenical. This 120mg diet pill is FDA approved for those who are seriously over weight and can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Doctors aren't handing prescriptions out to anyone worried about their waistines. Those classified obese by their physician, based on BMI of more than 30, are eligible. However, it's not going to be your doctor's first action to help you start losing weight. You'll need to show your commitment to a healthy diet and steady exercise regimen. Although you might find it frustrating, finding that those means are still not helping you lose weight, and surgery being a drastic measure, you and your doctor can then discuss the possibility of taking Xenical.

Xenical isn't going to do the work for you. Along with this prescription pill, you'll need to stick with that healthy diet that is low in fat. You'll limit fat intake to less than 30% of calories. The American Heart Association has an ideal low-fat diet that many Xenical users follow.

Not only will you see results from reducing your fat consumption, but Xenical works with your digestive system to block about one-third of the fat you eat from ever being absorbed. So the limited fat that does sneak into your diet, Xenical will keep most of it from ever being digested.

A recent study in London suggests that diet pills such as Xenical aren't actually doing consumers that much good. The study claims that while some weight loss is experienced, it is modest compared with what consumers are likely anticipating- and sometimes promised.

Xenical was matched up against two other prescription diet pills, that are not available in the U.S., and found that the average weight lost was only 11 pounds. The study was made up of both men and women, aged 45-50 with a BMI of 35. Participants used one of the three drugs for 1-4 years.

Health experts said that even though slight weight loss was achieved, some is better than none. Losing just a few pounds that are directly tied to fat can mean generous health benefits. In fact, shedding five pounds will make you less likely to develop heart disease or diabetes.

Studies show that Xenical helps patients lose about 7 pounds, and also see better cholesterol, blood pressure and a lesser risk of diabetes. These are ideal benefits for obese individuals trying to not only lose weight, but have better overall health.

Visit with your doctor if you think you might meet the criteria to take prescription Xenical and be sure to discuss honestly all information about your health, weight and goals.