Applying to weight loss drugs and herbal mixtures with the desire to get rid of excess weight in a short time can bring many diseases and cause life-threatening risks. However, the way to lose weight in a healthy way is through the right lifestyle changes under expert control. From Memorial Etiler Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Uz. Dr. Özlem Kaplan gave information about the harmful effects of weight loss drugs and what needs to be done for permanent weight control.
The fact that weight loss drugs and herbal products are plant-based does not mean that they are harmless
Obesity is an important health problem that is becoming increasingly common especially in developing countries and Western societies due to the lack of daily lifestyle, dietary habits and physical activity. In recent years, many people have been using various drugs, herbs and herbal products to lose weight as soon as possible without dieting and exercising. There is a false belief in society that herbal products are harmless. The fact that all these products are easily accessible over the internet leads to the widespread use of these drugs and herbal products by large masses.
Your body may be out of balance
Various undesirable effects may occur as a result of prolonged use of these products. It has been observed that among the products that are claimed to cause weight loss, there are plants that facilitate defecation, increase urine output and perspiration, stimulate the digestive system, and have a degassing effect. Continuous use of these products can be life-threatening because they cause fluid and electrolyte losses from the body. It can cause swelling in the abdomen, cramps, nausea and vomiting by impairing the motility of the stomach and intestines. Due to fluid and electrolyte losses, people experience fatigue, depression, low blood pressure, rhythm and conduction disorders in the heart, weakness in the respiratory muscles, and cramps. In addition, the weight lost in this way is not permanent because it is due to fluid loss.
It is very important to raise awareness on this issue
Considering the risk factors mentioned, the society should be made aware of the undesirable effects that these weight loss drugs may cause. They should be used under the control of a dietitian and pharmacist. In addition, it will be more beneficial for the protection of public health to evaluate and standardize such products as drugs and to sell them in pharmacies by obtaining a license from the Ministry of Health.
If you want to lose weight healthily, get expert help
It is important to be at the ideal weight in order to feel good physically and mentally, to live a healthy and quality life away from diseases. In today’s living conditions, with the adoption of a more sedentary lifestyle and the increase in consumption of fast food products, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and diabetes are also increasing. Ideal weight is measured by the “Body Mass Index”. Body Mass index; It is the criterion used to classify such as normal weight, overweight and obese. Body Mass Index is found by dividing an individual’s weight by the square of their height.
BMI = kg / m2
BMI < 25 = normal weight
25 < BMI < 30 = overweight
30 < BMI = obese.
Weekly weight loss in a healthy and at the same time permanent; considering the age, metabolism and physical activity of the person, it is between 0.5 – 1.5 kg. Breakfast should not be skipped in order to start the day lively and fit, and not to experience hunger crises at lunch or dinner. A small and frequent feeding model should be adopted during the day. Care should be taken to include sufficient vitamins and minerals in the nutrition program. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat protein sources should be consumed in a balanced way. Sufficient water must be consumed to ensure the continuity of metabolism, regulation of bowel movements, and elimination of harmful substances in the body.
Weight loss process can be supported by small changes such as chewing the food well, reducing the portions a little, using salt more limitedly, preferring the stairs instead of the elevator, walking short distances. The person should continue the behaviors that he has changed during the weight loss process. In the process of abandoning physical activity and a balanced diet, the body starts to gain weight again.
10 suggestions to reach the ideal weight before summer
You should definitely start the day with a healthy breakfast.
Main and snack meals should not be skipped, because each skipped meal causes more food to be eaten during the day.
All food groups should be included in the daily diet.
Cooking methods should be reviewed. Instead of frying; One of the grill, oven or boiling methods should be preferred.
The amount of salt to be taken daily should be approximately 6 gr, that is, a dessert spoon.
It is important to consume healthy fats. Nuts such as olive oil, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts, avocados are among the healthy fat groups.
Milk, yoghurt and cheese group should be consumed with semi-fat. Instead of fatty red meat, one should try to prefer lean ones. It should be noted that legumes or vegetable dishes are prepared with less oil.
Fish should be consumed twice a week.
It is important to drink plenty of water.
You should be active during the day, personal exercises should be determined and done regularly.
