For millions of severely obese people across the globe, taking a pill to lose weight rapidly may sound tempting. However, weight reduction pills may cause harmful changes in the heartbeat rhythm for many individuals. So, what’s the connection between weight loss pills and heart problems?
Weight loss pills are available both via prescription and OTC (over-the-counter).
Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease substantially. As a result, managing your weight is more crucial than ever. With the hype around weight loss pills online and even in wellness clinics, it is easy to believe that a diet pill is a solution.
That is just not the case. In reality, diet drugs might raise your chance of having a stroke or heart attack.
If your BMI is between 18.5 and 25, you are within the healthy weight range. If your BMI is between 25.0 and 30, you are considered overweight. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or higher.
Here’s what you need to know about weight loss pills and heart problems.
Can weight loss pills affect your heart
You may be wondering how weight loss pills and heart problems are connected. Here’s why;
Excess weight may increase your heart rate, damaging your heart muscle and contributing to congestive heart failure. A rapid heart rate might also cause your blood pressure to drop severely low, resulting in blackouts.
If you take weight loss pills and heart problems may occur. This is because weight-loss medicine often includes stimulants, making you more alert and less interested in eating. However, if a medicine claims to enhance your metabolism, it may also raise your heart rate. These stimulants may cause an episode of atrial fibrillation or afib—the most common kind of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat—in persons prone to it.
🧑🤝🧑Body Mass Index is a straightforward calculation based on a person’s height and weight. BMI = kg/m2, where kg represents a person’s weight in kilograms and m2 represents their height in metres squared. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25.0 or higher, while the healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9. BMI is applicable to the majority of adults aged 18 to 65.
Still, some individuals may benefit from weight-loss drugs.
Weight-loss pills authorized by the Food and Drug Administration have undergone extensive testing and are usually considered safe. However, if you take other medications or have pre-existing illnesses such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, your chances of unpleasant side effects may increase.
If you’re thinking about utilizing a weight-loss medicine or supplement, you should first educate yourself as much as possible.
Some popular over-the-counter weight-reduction medications and supplements, such as Dexatrim and Alli (orlistat), may aid with weight loss in the short term. Still, the weight frequently returns after the medication is stopped. Dexatrim includes stimulants, which might be problematic for persons who are predisposed to afib. Alli is a lipase inhibitor—a sort of medication that aids in weight reduction by blocking the body from absorbing specific types of fat—which may seem like a good idea until you consider the side effects, which include gas with oily spotting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.
Can someone with heart problems take phentermine
You should not take Phentermine if you have a history of heart problems. Examples are heart failure, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), stroke, valve disease, coronary artery disease, and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Phentermine may induce a significant rise in blood pressure. This might cause your heart to work harder. The additional strain on your heart may worsen your heart problems.
Aside from that, you should avoid using Phentermine if you are breastfeeding a child or pregnant.
Also, do not use this medication if you have recently taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, methylene blue injection, linezolid, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. A dangerous medicine interaction is possible.
What drugs should be avoided in heart failure
Other weight loss pills might affect your heart valves.
Always check with your physician before using any weight loss drug. Among these pills are:
- Phentermine
Your doctor may prescribe it under the brand names Suprenza or Adipex. Side effects might be severe, including increased blood pressure or heart palpitations, tremors, dizziness, restlessness, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty doing previously performed activities. Dry mouth, unpleasant taste, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea are less serious side effects.
There is a danger of becoming dependent on the medicine, like several other appetite suppressants.
It should not be used late at night since it may induce sleeplessness.
If you use insulin for diabetes, see your doctor before taking Phentermine since your insulin dosage may need to be adjusted.
If you have a history of heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or stroke, you should not use Phentermine. You should also avoid taking it if you have glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, a history of drug abuse, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Qsymia
If you have heart problems, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or a stroke, you should not take Qsymia. When beginning the medicine or increasing the dosage, get your heart checked frequently.
Furthermore, consider safer alternatives, such as altering your diet and adding exercise to your daily routine, before turning to weight loss pills and heart problems potential risks. Whatever technique you choose to lose weight, work carefully with your doctor to protect your heart’s health.
Are you one of the guys who want to gain weight? Read this blog to know more: Best Weight Gain Supplements for Skinny Guys.