Remédios to lose weight: from farmácia and natural

During the weight loss process, the doctor or nutritionist may indicate, in addition to he althy eating and physical activity, the use of some medicine or natural remedy that is capable of accelerating metabolism, burning fat accumulated, inhibit the absorption of fat in the intestine, decrease appetite, control anxiety and/or combat fluid retention.

However, it is important to note that the use of natural remedies should only be performed if indicated and guided by the he alth professional, as they may be associated with a series of side effects and contraindications, which can have consequences for the he alth, especially pharmaceutical drugs.

The type of medication to be used depends on the individual needs of each person, and must be recommended by the specialist doctor. In addition, its use must be associated with a he althy and low-calorie diet, as well as it is important to practice physical activity on a regular basis, because if these lifestyle changes do not exist, it is possible that there will be a rebound effect (accordion)., favoring weight gain again.

Pharmacy Medicines

Some of the drugs that can be used to lose weight, which are sold in pharmacies and must be prescribed by the doctor and used according to his recommendation are:

1. Sibutramine

Sibutramine works by decreasing hunger and making the feeling of satiety reach the brain faster, helping to control the amount of food ingested. In this way, this remedy can be used as a first treatment in people with obesity. Learn more about sibutramine.

Indication: is suitable for people who are on a diet, but have a hard time controlling hunger and cravings for more fatty or sugary foods.

How to take it: In general, the recommendation is to take 1 capsule of 10 mg in the morning on an empty stomach, but if weight loss does not occur after 4 weeks of use, the doctor should be consulted.

Side Effects: The use of this medication can cause constipation, dry mouth, insomnia, tachycardia, palpitations, headache, increased blood pressure and risk of disease cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety. Thus, due to the side effects, it is essential that sibutramine is only used under the doctor's indication and guidance.

Contraindications: This medicine should not be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding women and in cases of heart disease, anorexia, bulimia, use of nasal decongestants and antidepressants.

2. Orlistat

Orlistat is a medication that works by preventing the absorption of fat in the intestine, as it inhibits gastrointestinal enzymes, which reduces the amount of calories absorbed at the intestinal level, favoring weight loss and helping to control high cholesterol. See more about orlistat.

Indication: it is indicated for people with obesity (BMI greater than 30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI greater than 28 kg/m^{2) that have associated risk factors. It should not be used as a solution to consume more high-fat foods daily.}

How to take: It is recommended to take 1 capsule of 60 to 120 mg before, during or up to one hour after each main meal. It is recommended that the drug not be taken if the meal does not contain fat or if a meal is not eaten.

Side Effects: The use of this medication may cause headache, abdominal or rectal pain, bloating, flatulence, incontinence and fecal urgency, fatty stools, white or watery stools, increased frequency of bowel movements, hypoglycemia and fatigue.

Contraindications: orlistat is contraindicated for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people with intestinal malabsorption problems or a tendency to have diarrhea.

3. Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Saxenda is a medicine in the form of an injection that acts in the center of hunger and satiety, causing the person to have less appetite. In addition, one of the effects of the drug is the change in taste that makes food not taste so pleasant. This medication can be found in pharmacies, being sold only with a doctor's prescription. See more about saxenda.

Indication: this medication is indicated for people with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² or with a BMI greater than 27 kg/ m^{2 who have associated diseases, such as arterial hypertension or type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to control weight in adolescent patients from 12 years of age and who are obese. In addition, these people must be accompanied by a doctor or nutritionist.}

How to take it: For both adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over, treatment should start with a low dose, which should be increased gradually over the first 5 weeks of treatment. The initial dose is 0.6 mg per day and should be increased weekly at 0.6 mg intervals, so that at week 5 of treatment the dose is 3 mg once daily.

Side Effects: The most frequent adverse reactions of this medication are the presence of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastritis, stomach discomfort, pain and burning in the stomach, feeling of bloating, gas, belching, dry mouth, weakness, tiredness and altered taste.

Contraindications: This medication should not be used by people who are not considered obese, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children, because the effects of this medication have not been evaluated in this group of people.

4. Lorcaserin Hydrochloride (Belviq)

Lorcaserin hydrochloride is an anti-obesity drug that works on brain serotonin levels, decreasing appetite and increasing satiety. With reduced appetite it is possible to eat less food, losing weight.

Indication: this medication is indicated for people with obesity, that is, with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² , or who are overweight with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m^{2 and who have some associated comorbidity, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidemia. However, it should only be used under medical prescription.}

How to take it: it is recommended to take 2 tablets a day of 10 mg, one with lunch and one with dinner, and the effect of the drug must be evaluated after 12 weeks. If the person does not lose 5% of their weight, the treatment should be stopped.

Side Effects: may cause allergic reactions, increased prolactin, mood swings, change in vision, confusion, priapism (erection lasting longer than 4 hours), increased heart rate, sweating, suicidal thoughts, tremors, tiredness, vomiting, nausea, and decreased glucose levels.

Contraindications: This medication should not be used by children or adolescents under 18 years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, it is not recommended for people with severe liver and kidney failure, with Peyronie's disease, cavernous fibrosis, or who are being treated with erectile dysfunction medications.

5. Phentermine

Phentermine is a drug that can be used to treat obesity, as it acts on the central nervous system, suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss.

Indication: is indicated for adults and children over 12 years of age and with obesity, that is, BMI equal to or greater than 30 kg/m ^2.

How to take it: It is recommended to take 1 tablet of 15 or 30 mg, 30 to 50 minutes before eating, it is recommended to take it until 7 pm. Treatment with phentermine should have a maximum duration of 12 weeks.

Side Effects: Phentermine can cause blurred vision, insomnia, dry mouth, palpitations, tachycardia, nervousness, euphoria, and nausea.

Contraindications: This medication should be avoided by pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under 12 years of age. In addition, it is not recommended that the use be done by people with anorexia, who have insomnia, psychotic personality and asthenia. It is also not indicated for people who use MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) to treat depression, as it can cause hypertensive crises.

6. N altrexone and Bupropion

N altrexone and bupropion are active substances that act in the main regions of the brain, causing the person to reduce food intake and favor weight loss.

Indication: is indicated for people with obesity, that is, with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² , or who have overweight with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m^{2 and who have diseases associated with overweight, such as dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension.}

How to take it: The use of n altrexone and bupropion should be started with 1 tablet of 90 mg/8mg in the morning. This dose should be progressively increased over 4 weeks until reaching the maximum dose of 360 mg/32 mg per day, that is, 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening. The tablets should be taken whole and with a little water, preferably with meals.

Side Effects: The use of this medication may cause nausea, tremors, altered attention, excessive tiredness, vertigo, palpitations, dizziness, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, sweating, alopecia, decreased lymphocytes and itching.

Contraindications: This medication is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and for children, and is not recommended for people with uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders or a history of seizure, neoplasia in the central nervous system, abstinence from alcohol or benzodiazepines, and people with a history of bipolar disorder. This medication is also not recommended for people diagnosed with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, severe liver or kidney failure, people with opioid dependence, or people who are being treated with MAOIs for depression.

Natural Remedies to Lose Weight

There are some natural remedies that favor weight loss, however, it is important to mention that, despite being natural, they can cause side effects and have some contraindications. Therefore, it is important that they are consumed according to the orientation of the nutritionist, doctor or herbalist. Some natural remedies are:

1. Green Tea

Green tea is a drink rich in antioxidant compounds such as caffeine, catechins and polyphenols, which help speed up metabolism, causing the body to spend more energy and weight loss. In addition, it facilitates digestion, regulates the intestines and combats fluid retention.

Green tea can be consumed in the form of tea or it can be purchased in pharmacies or he alth food stores in capsule form.

How to take it: consume 3 to 4 cups of tea a day. In the case of ha verde in supplement form, 1 capsule should be taken 30 minutes after main meals.

2. Glucomannan

O is a supplement obtained from the cell walls of some plants, being considered a dietary fiber. This supplement helps increase satiety, regulate fat metabolism, control blood sugar and improve intestinal transit. Learn about other he alth benefits of glucomannan.

How to take it: the dose may vary depending on the amount of fiber present in the supplement, it is important to read the product label. However, the general indication is that 2 capsules between 500 mg and 2 g should be taken per day, 30 to 60 minutes before main meals, along with a glass of water.

3. Chitosan

Chitosan is a natural supplement that is obtained from the fibers present in the skeletons of shellfish. This supplement increases satiety and decreases the absorption of fat at the intestinal level, helping to lower cholesterol levels.

How to take it: the dose may vary according to the concentration present in the product, it is important to read the supplement label. In general, it is recommended to take 1 to 2 capsules a day, before each main meal. It is important to point out that this supplement is contraindicated in case of allergy to seafood.

4. Goji berry capsules

Goji berries have several bioactive compounds that give them a high antioxidant potential, in addition to being rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, favoring not only weight loss, but also helping to strengthen the immune system and prevent development of cardiovascular diseases.

How to take it: It is recommended to take 2 to 3 capsules of 500 mg per day with 1 glass of water. However, the dose may vary according to the concentration of the supplement, and it is important for the person to read the manufacturer's label before consuming.

5. Spirulina

Spirulina is a type of seaweed used as a nutritional supplement due to the fact that it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and proteins. This supplement can improve fat and glucose metabolism, reducing fat accumulated in the liver and body, as well as protecting the heart. This seaweed is available in powder or capsule form.

How to take it: The recommended dose of spirulina varies between 1 to 8 grams per day (1000 mg to 8000 mg per day), depending on the purpose of use.

Home remedies to lose weight

Home remedies for weight loss are easier and safer options to use to help with the diet, especially for those who suffer from obesity. Among the main ones are:

1. Eggplant water

Eggplant is a vegetable that has few calories and is rich in fiber, which helps to increase the feeling of satiety, regulate bowel function and lower cholesterol.

How to prepare: cut 1 eggplant into cubes and soak in 1 liter of water overnight. In the morning, mix everything in a blender and consume throughout the day, without adding sugar.

2. Ginger Water

Ginger water has anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants and bioactive compounds that help to inhibit weight gain, favor the elimination of fats through feces and improve digestion and nutrient metabolism, in addition to decreasing fat accumulated in the liver and at the body level, increasing energy expenditure. In addition, it also helps fight fluid retention thanks to its diuretic effect.

How to prepare: add 4 to 5 slices or 2 tablespoons of ginger zest in 1 liter of ice water and drink at least 2 glasses of 500 mL per day. For best results, ginger should be changed daily.

3. Herbal diuretic tea

This herbal tea has ingredients such as artichoke, horsetail, bay leaf and anise, which have diuretic properties, helping to eliminate excess fluid retained in the body, improving digestion and cholesterol.

How to prepare: To prepare this tea, add 10 g of artichoke, mackerel, elderberry, bay leaf and aniseed to 1 liter of boiling water. Turn off the heat and cover the pan, letting it rest for 5 minutes. Drink the tea throughout the day and follow the treatment for 2 weeks.

4. Lemon water

Lemon water is an excellent tool to help you lose weight, as it contains few calories and is a source of fiber, helping to increase satiety and control hunger. In addition, it is also a diuretic drink, which causes the body to eliminate the fluid accumulated in the body, helping to deflate.

How to prepare: put 1 lemon cut into slices in a bottle with water and drink 1 liter during the day.

5. Hibiscus tea

Hibiscus is a plant rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that help reduce the absorption of fats in the intestine and burn fat accumulated in the body. In addition, it can also help regulate appetite, since, according to some scientific studies, consumption of this tea is related to ghrelin and leptin, which are hormones responsible for regulating appetite.

How to prepare: add 1 tablespoon of dried hibiscus to 300 mL of boiling water. Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes, strain and drink. To lose weight, 2 cups of this tea should be taken a day: one cup after lunch and another after dinner, for 12 weeks to get the results.

How to lose weight without medicine

To lose weight without medication, you should increase the consumption of foods rich in fiber, as they help to increase satiety and avoid hunger, as well as control the glycemic index of foods. The glycemic index is the speed at which the sugar or carbohydrates present in the food reach the blood. Learn more about the glycemic index of foods.

Consumption of foods with a low glycemic index, which is below 55, helps to increase the feeling of satiety and reduce the size of the portions consumed, favoring weight loss. Some foods that have a low glycemic index are: lentils, beans, plums, apples, pears, skimmed milk, yogurt, strawberries and nuts such as peanuts, chestnuts and almonds.

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