Dr. Marcy Gurvey, an internist with the Facey Medical Group in Northridge, CA and former director of the Eating Disorder Program at NYU, answers some questions about diet pills and eating disorders.
Q: Which diet pills are safe?
A: This is a question I get asked all of the time. Since ephedra was banned for sale in the United States this past April, people are under the impression that all diet pills on the market are now safe for use. But, this is not the case. All over-the-counter diet pills work essentially the same way. They speed up the metabolism to burn more calories and suppress the appetite. The issue is that in the process of performing the function they are designed to, they have many untoward, adverse side effects, ranging from mild nervousness, insomnia, muscle twitching and tics to the more severe and sometimes fatal reactions, like an irregular heart beat, high blood pressure and stroke. It is also important to remember that diet pills work only while you are using them. So to maintain the weight loss you achieve with pills, you must continue to take them indefinitely thereby putting yourself at the additional risk of drug addiction and potential withdrawal should you eventually stop taking them.
While there are two approved weight loss medications available (Meridia and Xenical), there are specific criteria for who should be taking them. Anyone who meets those criteria should take them only in conjunction with a medically supervised weight loss program.
Q: What are the long-term health effects of eating disorders?
A: Starvation, overeating and purging, whether by self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, all put an inordinate amount of stress on the internal organs. The list of complications is vast and includes, but is not limited to:
Irregular heartbeat with a risk of sudden cardiac death; kidney failure; liver damage; anemia (low blood count); edema (swelling of the extremities); osteoporosis; abnormal menses and infertility; brittle nails; damage to the teeth; hair loss; excessive growth of body hair; mental slowing; dizziness and fainting spells.
Unfortunately, not all of these conditions are reversible with correction of the eating disorder.
Q: What can I do if I think I have an eating disorder?
A: A good place to start is always with your doctor. Tell her your concerns and be honest with her about your habits so she can make sure you can get the help you need. She can do a physical exam and blood tests to determine what effects the eating disorder has already started to have on your health and can help you get set up with a therapist. Remember, eating disorders are both physical and psychological disorders.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Five Biggest Myths About Obese People
1. People don't realize they are fat or why.
As Dr. Phil points out, "People who are overweight for a long time don't have a distorted body image." They are aware of their size.
2. Fat people are lazy and slow.
This is not true. You cannot make a blanket judgment about a person's motivation or character based on his/her weight.
3. All fat people eat too much.
This myth doesn't take two important factors into account: physical activity and metabolic resistance.
4. Fat people eat because they're always hungry.
As Dr. Phil says, "Its not what you are eating, but why you are overeating." Many people eat emotionally and use food as a source of comfort — which has nothing to do with hunger.
5. Fat people are always unhappy being fat.
Body image and self-image are two separate things. You can have a healthy self-image whether or not you are happy about your body image.
As Dr. Phil points out, "People who are overweight for a long time don't have a distorted body image." They are aware of their size.
2. Fat people are lazy and slow.
This is not true. You cannot make a blanket judgment about a person's motivation or character based on his/her weight.
3. All fat people eat too much.
This myth doesn't take two important factors into account: physical activity and metabolic resistance.
4. Fat people eat because they're always hungry.
As Dr. Phil says, "Its not what you are eating, but why you are overeating." Many people eat emotionally and use food as a source of comfort — which has nothing to do with hunger.
5. Fat people are always unhappy being fat.
Body image and self-image are two separate things. You can have a healthy self-image whether or not you are happy about your body image.
Three Ways You Are Making Your Child Obese
Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate, and statistics show that 70 percent of overweight kids will become overweight adults. Could you be unwittingly contributing to the weight gain of your little ones? Learn the top three mistakes you could be making.
1) Shaping Taste and the Environment
“Kids aren’t born with a preference for French fries and Twinkies. They have to learn that,” Dr. Phil explains. "They acquire this taste based on what’s in the environment."
Show your child that it's OK to eat healthy snacks, such as apples and nuts. Your kids can't consume what isn't in the house. Now is the time to clean out your pantry and throw away processed and fatty foods.
2) Modeling
If you don't exercise or eat healthy foods, chances are your children will follow in your footsteps. Start making changes right now. Make a promise to become the picture of health by eating nutritious meals and breaking a sweat at the gym. If your child understands that there is a new, dynamic shift in the household, he or she will be more willing to adapt.
If you don't exercise or eat healthy foods, chances are your children will follow in your footsteps. Start making changes right now. Make a promise to become the picture of health by eating nutritious meals and breaking a sweat at the gym. If your child understands that there is a new, dynamic shift in the household, he or she will be more willing to adapt.
3) Overfeeding and Putting Children on Diets
Letting your kids eat junk food on a regular basis may make them feel good for the moment, but they could pay a high price physically and emotionally for your overindulgence. Conversely, putting your little ones on a diet is a bad idea. "Diets don't work," Dr. Phil says. You have to make lifestyle changes.
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