New warning for weight loss meds

When it comes to getting trim, skip the gimmicks and definitely pass on the drugs: The feds say some of the most popular weight-loss meds may cause severe liver damage and even death.
The FDA is ordering a new warning on the labels of orlistat--sold over the counter as Alli and by prescription as Xenical--urging patients to "stop use and ask a doctor" if they "develop itching, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or loss of appetite. There have been rare reports of liver injury in people taking orlistat."

At least two deaths have been linked to liver injuries that occurred after orlistat use, so here's an even better warning: Don't take these meds under any circumstances--because the "rare" risk of liver problems is just the beginning of your potential troubles, and some of them aren't so rare at all.

I've warned you about these drugs before, including the infamous "fecal urgency" and "oily spotting" many users experience. I won't go into the disgusting details here, but you might want to invest in a good detergent... and probably have some spare underwear placed in strategic locations.

I'm told the orlistat-induced bowel evacuations can also leave some powerful stains in your toilet.

But forget what's coming out, because it's on your insides that these meds do the real damage, and the new warning shows what's at stake. In addition to that liver risk, these drugs have also been linked to kidney stones and stomach problems.

With the number of people using these meds despite all those side effects, you'd think these were miracle pills. Take two and lose a size by morning, right?

Nothing could be further from the truth--because these meds only increase the speed of weight loss a smidge, and only if you stick religiously to a low-fat, low-calorie diet that'll leave you hungry and irritable all day.

As long as you're making changes to your diet anyway, do it right--do it without drugs. Choose a sensible eating plan, low in sugar and other bad carbs, and control the urge to snack.

Then, get yourself some exercise, or at least more daily movement--enough to break a sweat.

Before you know it, you'll look in the mirror and find a body you haven't seen in years... and, even better, your liver will be intact--and your underwear will be clean.

On a mission for your health,
Ed Martin
Editor, House Calls