The diet drugs Fen-Phen (fenfluramine and phentermine), Pondimin (fenfluramine), and Redux (dexfenfluramine) aid in weight loss by altering the serotonin levels in the brain to suppress feelings of hunger.
During the 1990s, doctors began to prescribe these drugs in combination to increase the weight loss effect. Studies have demonstrated serious potential health risks associated with the use of these drugs. These findings were so serious that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew Fen-Phen and Redux from the market in 1997.
Problems associated with the use of these diet drugs include:
* serious heart murmurs,
* heart valve leaks,
* thickening of the heart valves, and
* heart valve regurgitation, which is a build-up of a plaque-like substance on the heart valves.
A 1997 report from the Mayo Clinic found heart valve dysfunction in 30% of Fen-Phen users who were tested. Fen-P hen also causes Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Lawsuits previously filed state that some manufacturers and distributors were aware of the health risks associated with these drugs and failed to adequately warn of such risks.
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension or PPH is a rare but serious condition affecting only the arteries in the lungs. It is a progressive condition and may eventually be fatal. The condition begins when tiny arteries in the lungs become narrow or blocked, causing increased resistance to blood flow in the lungs, which then raises pressure within the pulmonary arteries.
As the pressure builds, the right ventricle of the heart must work harder to pump blood through the lungs, eventually causing the heart muscle to weaken and sometimes to fail completely. There is presently no cure for PPH, but drug treatments can help lessen symptoms and improve quality of life for many people.
The FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Co ntrol and the National Institutes of Health, recommend that anyone who has ever taken either Redux or Fen-Phen alone or with other diet drug medications, should see their doctor immediately for a physical examination to determine if any heart or lung damage has occurred -- even if no symptoms are apparent.
Fen-Phen and Redux Withdrawn from Market
On September 15, 1997, at the request of the US Food and Drug Administration, American Home Products withdrew Fen-Phen and Redux from the market. This followed reports that heart-valve abnormalities were found in 30% of Fen-Phen users who were given diagnostic echocardiograms at the Mayo Clinic. Additional studies also indicated that Fen-Phen caused the potentially fatal lung disease, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), in some patients taking the drugs.
Studies have estimated that using Fen-Phen increases a person's chances of developing PPH by approximately 30 percent. Some medical experts contend that there is a potential latency of ten or more years between the last ingestion of Fen-Phen and the development of symptoms.
Fen-Phen and Redux Class Action
The occurrence of heart valve-related health problems associated with the use of Fen-Phen and Redux resulted in a National Class Action Settlement with American Home Products Corp. (AHP), now known as Wyeth, the manufacturer of these diet drugs. The Settlement received final Judicial Approval on January 3, 2002, triggering a number of deadlines.
If you ingested Fen-Phen, Pondimin or Redux, you are automatically a member of the Settlement unless you filed the required paper work to "opt-out" or withdraw. In order to be eligible for certain benefits, you must first register and you must have an echocardiogram (a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart). Individuals who have registered and who meet the requirements for "Matrix" level benefits for heart valve damage and related health problems may be eligible to receive between $7,389 and $1,485,000 in benefits depending on the extent of their injuries.
It is also important to note that the Settlement does not cover or provide benefits to persons diagnosed with PPH. These individuals can proceed with individual lawsuits against Wyeth if they meet the criteria for PPH, as defined in the Settlement program.
Fen-Phen and Redux -- Withdrawn From Market
Alli weight-loss pill: Does it work?
Is Alli the solution to your weight-loss woes? A Mayo Clinic specialist discusses the effectiveness of Alli, an over-the-counter weight-loss pill.
Another drug is available to aid your weight-loss efforts, but this time you don't need a prescription. Alli (pronounced AL-eye) is meant for overweight adults who are struggling to shed excess pounds. With its easy access and weight-loss promises, is Alli your answer to losing weight permanently?
Here, Donald Hensrud, M.D., a preventive medicine and nutrition specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., answers common questions about Alli.
What is Alli?
Alli is the reduced-strength version of orlistat (Xenical), a prescription drug to treat obesity. It's approved for over-the-counter sale to overweight adults 18 years and older. Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise.
How does Alli work?
Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing absor ption of fat by the intestines, which reduces the number of calories you absorb.
Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components, so it can be used or stored for energy. Alli works by disabling lipase, which prevents the enzyme from breaking down the fat while it's in your digestive tract. The undigested fat continues through the intestines and is eliminated through bowel movements.
Alli is taken with fat-containing meals, up to three times a day. Because of how Alli works, it's recommended that you eat no more than 15 grams of fat with each meal. Eating higher amounts of fat can cause unwanted effects, such as urgent bowel movements, diarrhea and gas with oily spotting.
How much weight could I lose using Alli?
Alli can help you lose weight, but the weight loss likely won't be great — perhaps just a few pounds more than you would lose with diet and exercise alone. Only a small number of st udies have evaluated the effectiveness of Alli. And many of the weight-loss estimates are based on studies conducted on its prescription-strength counterpart, Xenical.
The average weight loss for prescription-strength Xenical is modest — about 6 pounds greater than diet and exercise alone after one year. So at half the strength, Alli could conceivably result in an average of 3 pounds lost in a year in addition to the approximately 8 pounds you could expect to lose from diet and exercise alone.
When shouldn't I take Alli?
You shouldn't take Alli if you:
Are at a healthy weight
Are taking cyclosporine
Have had an organ transplant
Have problems absorbing food
The drug also may pose risks for anyone who takes blood-thinning medication or has diabetes or thyroid disease.
Orlistat decreases the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins — for example, vitamins A, D and E. If you're taking Alli, you need to take a daily vitamin supplement (at a time different from when you take Alli) to prevent potential nutrient deficiencies.
How long do I need to take Alli?
According to the manufacturer, most weight loss occurs within the first six months. Many people who take medications to lose weight regain the weight they lost when they stop taking the medication. Therefore, to keep the weight off, many people continue taking medications indefinitely along with eating a low-calorie diet and exercising regularly.
How does Alli fit into a healthy weight-loss plan?
As you consider Alli as a weight-loss aid, make sure that you make every effort to exercise, change your eating habits and adjust any other lifestyle factors that have contributed to your excess weight. Alli isn't the easy answer to weight loss and is meant only to supplement — not replace — a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Work with your doctor to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of Alli or any other weight-loss drugs. As a team, you can create the most effective weight-loss plan for you. visit www.consistenceonline.com
Healthy Measurements for Avoiding Gerd
For more than 18 000 adults and children who have GERD Mayo Clinic has improved the treatment.By using a team approach Mayo specialized in the medical endoscopic and surgical treatment of GERD.A treatment team for GERD is composed by an gastroenterologist,chest (thoracic) surgeon, pulmonary specialist, ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist and radiologist.
For treating children, pediatric specialists are indicated.Leading-edge research are conducted by a team of specialists.In screening and diagnostic Mayo offers the most performed services for GERD.Esophagoscopy, barium swallow, cardiac evaluation, esophageal manometry and esophageal pH monitoring are tests given to the patients.Also for diagnose GERD Mayo is used.
The most appropriate approach for there patients Mayo Clinic is an important one.Treatments include medication, endoscopic treatment or surgery.Treatments like sewing, burning or injections are approved by the Mayo Clinic.The endoscopic treatments are investigated by the Mayo physicians.For the repair the hiatal hernia laparoscopic surgery is used.
In a given condition in which stomach acids or bile salts back into the esophagus producing a burning sensation behind a breastbone and esophageal irritation or inflammation it is in case of GERD, also known as acid reflux.The acid is transported to the stomach by a circular band of muscle called esophageal sphincter (LES).The heartburn is caused by the stomach acid.The sensation of heartburn can be exacerbated by the presence of a hiatal hernia.
About 17 millions Americans suffer at heartburn and other symptoms of GERD.In many cases people can be treated with a proper combination of lifestyle, changes and medication and in others a surgical intervention is necessary to eliminate the symptoms and to prevent damages to the esophagus.
For more resources about acid reflux or especially about acid reflux diet plea se click this link http://www.acid-reflux-info-guide.com/acid-reflux-diet.htm
Cabbage Soup For Weight Loss -- Frequently Asked Questions
Cabbage soup for weight loss works best if it's part of a complete plan to drop weight. There is a free 7 Day Cabbage Soup Diet that is just that, a compete plan. Here are several questions about how that diet works and how to get started to lose 10 pounds in a week.
1. Do you just eat cabbage soup?
That sounds pretty boring, huh? Luckily that's not all you eat. There are a whole list of other foods to eat. It's just that certain foods are eaten just on certain days. Absent from the list are breads and sweets.
2. How does cabbage soup make you lose weight?
There's no real magic to the soup. It's a filler that keeps you from being hungry while you eat the other foods. Cabbage soup is a filling, nutritious food, but it's not magic. the weight loss is a result of the whole plan all taken together.
3. What else do you eat?
A whole list of foods including meat, fruits, vegetables, bananas, even milk. Everything is just eaten on certain days in a certain order. It's a low calorie, low fat eating plan.
4. Who invented this diet?
It's not real clear where it came from. It has all kinds of names including The Mayo Clinic Diet, though it seems to have absolutely nothing to do with The Mayo Clinic.
5. How many days do you eat like this?
It's a seven day plan. It's only for a week. Of course you could repeat it every few weeks if you chose to.
6. Is it safe?
This is not a long-term eating plan. It's only for seven days. Now it's low calorie and low fat so nobody needs to eat like this for long periods of time. But just for a few days, this is something that most people could handle. When in doubt, ask a doctor.
7. How much weight can you lose?
The promise is you can lose 10 pounds in a week. Everybody knows you can only lose about 2 pounds a week long-term. So this is clearly not sustainable weight loss. Look, losi ng one or two pounds a week is so slow you can hardly tell you're losing weight. This kind of short diet is just a way to see some progress on the scales. It's a way to see something happen to keep you going on a longer-term eating plan. That's the way a diet like this makes good sense.
Cabbage soup for weight loss works because the soup fights hunger. The cabbage soup diet is really a complete eating plan that helps you lose 10 pounds in a week. The real challenge is to follow up the diet with lifestyle changes to get the weight off and keep it gone.
New Years Resolutions Were Never This Easy
So your New Year's Resolution is to lose weight and eliminate that unsightly holiday belly bulge is it? Well "The Mayo Clinic Diet" just might be the ticket and you know New Years Resolutions were never this easy when I was a kid. With a name and reputation like Mayo Clinic, well it sure sounds good. But you seem skeptical; is it because you have tried all the other diets before and still no luck yet?
Get Best Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan Program
The Atkins got boring and that simply was not going to work long term. The South Beach Diet, now that was sure trendy. You even bought the book didn't you? Didn't you? Don't lie, it's okay, I did too. Sure we all lost 15 pounds on that one and it lasted longer than the others, it wasn't so bad. But those pounds slowly came back; didn't they? Sure they did, that's okay, me too!
Get Best Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan Program
Let me propose the Mayo Clinic Diet, give it a shot and let me tell you why. First this diet has been available for about 30 years. It does not work for everyone, but it has worked for many and might work for you too. Is the Mayo Clinic really endorsing this diet? Yes, previously they had originated it and it seems to resurface every year about this time after the holidays when dieting becomes trendy. So what do you have to lose besides a few extra pounds, so give it a shot why don't ya? You really need to do this in 2006.
Get Best Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan Program< /h3>
Boost Brain Power With These Brain "Super" Foods-The top 10 foods that make you smarter...and healthier
When it comes to food, you have a wealth of delicious choices. And each one not only tastes good but also supplies unique health benefits. From blueberries to dark chocolate, leading nutritionists and physicians are pointing to certain foods that enhance brain power and, they say, a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Although there's no conclusive research about the healthful brain benefits of particular supplements, food sources rich in vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids may provide benefit, says Jillian McMullen, R.D., LD/N, Outpatient Clinical Dietician with Mayo Clinic.
Vitamin E-rich foods include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. Omega 3-rich foods include fish, walnuts and flax seeds.
"We also know that adequate amounts of B vitamins are essential for brain function," says McMullen. "Some studies suggest a protective role of vitamins B9 (folic acid) and B12, but more research is needed before we can recommend these supplements. It doesn't hurt to eat foods rich in folic acid such as green, leafy vegetables, fortified breads and cereals, and dried beans, as well as those chocked full of vitamin B12 like fish, meat, eggs, cheese and chicken."
It's All About Balance
There's no denying that as we age, our body (and brain) ages right along with us. Getting older brings some risk of cognitive problems such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. There's also increased brain function risk from certain diseases like hypertension, diabetes and obesity that can cause damage to the brain.
"Theoretically, we can control these diseases and keep our brain healthy unlike old age or genetic factors that we can't control," says Floyd Willis, M.D., family medicine practitioner and creator of Mayo Clinic's "LiveWell. ThinkWell." program.
It all ties together, Willis says. People who have the most risk of strokes are those wit h hypertension, diabetes and obesity. "Often, people don't associate the truism that as goes the heart, so goes the brain (and kidney). The impetus of the Mayo 'LiveWell. ThinkWell.' healthy brain program is about maintaining a healthy balance and healthy lifestyle."
Dr. Willis created the community outreach program offered through Mayo's Memory Disorder Clinic to educate African-Americans about healthy brain aging and memory disorders. African-Americans may have higher risk for Alzheimer's disease because they have a higher incidence of some medical conditions associated with dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The program provides information to seniors and their families about memory disorders and brain aging, including tips on how to keep the mind healthy.
Research is showing that you can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain well into old age if you add "super" foods to your daily diet. Blueberrie s have been found to help protect the brain and animal studies have shown that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats.
"But, we can't conclude that antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, strawberries and spinach will have the same age-related reversal of brain deficits in humans as those they found in rats. The American Dietetic Association is currently studying the effect of strawberries, blueberries, prunes, spinach and fatty fish, and may find positive benefits to short term memory," says McMullen.
Whether or not the foods are brain super foods, they're heart healthy and a great part of a balanced diet, she says. "A diet rich in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy is essential to overall health and energy."
Healthy Food for a Healthy Life
Carol Al banesi, Director of Food Services and a registered nurse for Flagler Hospital, agrees. "The foods we're talking about are foods that are necessary and appropriate for a healthy diet. There's not any true super food. A healthy diet has to be part of a healthy lifestyle that includes getting enough sleep (six to eight hours a day) and eating right. By that I also mean eating breakfast, not skipping meals and adding several small snacks during the day."
Albanesi suggests that by eating healthy food, getting enough sleep and exercising three to five times a week you'll increase your optimum health. All of these activities, including eating brain boosting super foods, bring oxygen to the brain by expanding blood vessels for increased blood flow to the brain.
"Your circulatory system feeds your cells and pulls away toxins," she says. "That's why you need to increase blood flow with these activities. Exercise is particularly good because it i ncreases blood flow, lowers blood pressure and keeps your body healthy."
Beans, she says, are a great food source because they're a good carbohydrate and protein source, they're inexpensive and they stabilize your glucose during the day. Drinking water is also important. Albanesi also suggests six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
The Top Ten Brain Boosting Foods
Sally Clifton, MSH, RD, LD/N, at Shands Hospital, offers her top ten brain super food picks:
1. Coffee – The caffeine and the coffee bean itself have been shown to have some antioxidant properties, she says. Most of the benefits for boosting brain power come from the caffeine. Suggested serving: no more than two or three cups a day.
2. Tea – Freshly brewed green and black tea have antioxidant properties and some caffeine that dilates blood vessels and increases the blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory focus and mood. "It's temporary so everyone should judge the amount," Clifton says. "The tea contains catechines that are the antioxidant properties; flavored tea doesn't have caffeine." Suggested serving: no more than two or three cups a day.
3. Blueberries – Blueberries are one food that really stands out, she says, because they have a certain antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress to help reduce age-related diseases. "Over time, because you're exposed to the environment, you're more exposed to free radicals. That's why it's so important that athletes take in fruits and vegetables."
She advises adding a variety of fruits to your diet. An easy way to add them is putting a cup in your smoothie, shake, yogurt or on cereal. Suggested serving: 1 cup a day.
4. Wild or farm-raised salmon – Wild salmon tends to be leaner and purer than farm-raised but both are good, she says. Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and contains anti-inflammatory substances that ultimately aid in blood flow and brain activity, lowering dementia and stroke risk and enhancing memory. "Salmon even keeps the blood flowing in the very small capillaries in the brain," she says. Suggested serving: 4-ounces two or three times a week grilled, baked or broiled.
5. Nuts and seeds – Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E that boosts brain function and corresponds with less cognitive decline. Nuts and seeds also offer a large dose of monounsaturated fat that is heart healthy and promotes blood flow. A caveat is that nuts and seeds are very high in good fat, so limit the amount. Choose unsalted if you have hypertension. "Almonds, walnuts and peanuts are very good but choose a variety," she says. Suggested serving: about one-fourth cup or one ounce a day.
6. Avocados – Although avocados got a bad rap for having a lot of fat several years ago, the green fruit is actually very healthy all around. They're packed with monounsaturate d fat but it's good fat. Avocados also have a lot of antioxidants and some amino acids (protein), help lower blood pressure and help reduce inflammation. "I suggest putting them on a sandwich, in a salad or on your salmon for a double brain boost." Suggested serving: one-quarter to one-half of an avocado daily.
7. Whole grains – Whole grains like whole wheat bread, pasta, cereals, wheat germ and brown rice create good blood flow because they have more intact nutrients including vitamin E, antioxidants, fiber and some have Omega 3 fatty acids. "Blood flow is crucial because it helps keep the integrity of cells in the brain," says Clifton.
8. Pomegranate juice – Although juice has been maligned because it's packed with sugar, pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants and a small amount of sugar helps with immediate energy. "Stick to about 2 ounces of natural fruit juice per serving. A way to do that is to mix the juice with sparkling wat er or sprite for a flavor boost. You can add it to water several times a day and eat a piece of fruit," she says. Suggested serving: about 6 to 8 ounces a day.
9. Beans – All kinds of beans including black beans, kidney beans and lentils offer a lot of fiber and help stabilize your glucose levels throughout the day, allowing your brain to better use the food for fuel. Suggested serving: one-half cup a day.
10. Dark chocolate – This decadent food has powerful antioxidant properties and also has a small amount of caffeine, a natural stimulant that aids with focus and concentration. Dark chocolate also stimulates production of endorphins that help improve mood. For a double health surge, try chocolate covered blueberries. Suggested serving: one-half to one ounce a day.
Back to Basics
"The key is a healthy diet and eating small meals throughout the day to boost brain power because the food is giving you small energy boosts," says Clifton. "I most often work with people to establish balance. Some people will drink coffee all day long. The unhealthy aspect of drinking this much coffee is that the caffeine suppresses appetite. So they deprive their body during the day and then overeat at night. That's not a balanced, healthy way of eating."
Almost all of the super foods can easily be incorporated into one meal such as a salad or wrap. You may be thinking diet, but by adding these foods you're also sharpening your thinking. Clifton agrees that getting back to basics with exercise, getting eight hours of sleep a night (eight is more beneficial than less) and using meditation and relaxation exercises like yoga all help increase your body awareness and health.
"With meditation and relaxation, you're breathing better and relieving tension and stress. It all goes together, but eating right does take some planning. The bonus to taking time to plan your meals is that you� ��ll gain more health benefits. A good idea is to get your spouse and children involved. It's more fun and motivating if you and your family cook together. Online resources for healthy recipes include eatright.org, the official website of the American Dietetic Association, and cookinglight.com," she says.
Healthy Weight Loss Tips
The most successful, healthy weight-loss plans will require you to eat healthier and do regular exercise to help you lose weight and maintain your new figure. Supplements, diet pills, eating plans and exercise equipment on their own will not help you lose weight and keep it off long-term, unless you are dedicated to changing your lifestyle for the better.
According to the American Obesity Association, by losing a small amount of weight - around 5 -10 percent of your initial weight, you can reduce the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure arthritis, respiratory disease and even some forms of cancer. Just imagine losing even more weight than this. The benefits and change in your life would be dramatic. But, how do you lose weight the healthy way and benefit from all the health related changes that come with losing weight the best way?
Weight-loss Programs (diets) - Healthy weight-loss programs combine eat ing nutritional foods with regular exercise to help encourage the body to convert stored fat in the body into glucose to act as fuel, so you are not only losing weight, you have more energy. Often, people get into the bad habit of yo-yo dieting, which is the act of losing weight, then gaining it right back and then start dieting again. By learning a healthy, easy-to-stick eating and exercise plan over a traditional diet, you will not only lose weight the healthy way, you will notice a raise in self-esteem, improved health and learn to keep weight off long term.
The only way that the body can lose weight is to burn more calories than your body is taking in. Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because you need to eat fewer calories, you have to eat less food. Healthy eating plans are all about educating yourself on which foods can be eaten in large amounts and which foods must only be eaten in small portions. But, most of all, it is important to remember that when you are losing weight the healthy way, you never need to starve yourself or go hungry. You just need to learn what different foods do to the body.
Some very popular diets these days are the South Beach Diet, the Mayo Clinic Diet and the Cabbage soup diet.
Weight-loss Supplements - there are many supplements available for those who are changing to a healthier lifestyle and want to have some extra nutrition or want a little help along the way. Just remember that no matter how good a supplement is, it will not take the place of proper nutrition and exercise. Diet pills are made to complement your weight loss goals while using a logical eating plan, as well as regular activity.
Vitamin and mineral supplements have become popular over the years to help our bodies get the vitamins and minerals that are lacking in the soil our foods are grown in. Many vitamins and minerals are great complimentary practices and will help to give you energy and an overall feeling of well being, as well as assist in the shedding pounds process.
Some well known diet pills are Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) pills, Phentermine (prescription), and Hoodia Gordonii.
A word of caution, before taking any supplement, make sure that you read the label carefully and speak to your doctor first if you are currently on any medications or suffer from any illnesses.