Interesting Read on Weight Loss Pills

You know, I've always noticed that when you do the math on the weight loss vs. time lapsed from the advertisements, these people really aren't losing any more than 1-2 lbs a week. And they're hypothetically working out and watching what they eat, so really it doesn't seem like the pills do a whole heck of a lot except lighten one's wallet. And some of these pills may not be safe.

gee that was a shocker, these things appeal the ppl whom are weak minded and looking for the easy way out still.

gee that was a shocker, these things appeal the ppl whom are weak minded and looking for the easy way out still.

I only partially agree with this statement. I would not recommend weight loss medications to anyone else, however 2 months ago I started going to a weight loss clinic and was prescribed medication and it was the best decision I've made in years. Please let me explain...
I have suffered bouts of depression for years and that combined with low willpower (weak-mindedness, if you will) are the underlying factors of my weight gain, which peaked at 275 lbs early this year. I KNEW I needed help because when I've tried changing my eating habits and exercising before, I failed...which lead to more depression which lead to more eating.
I am now taking and appetite suppressant and a craving suppressant/mood stabilizer (works on serotonin levels) and have an ekg done monthly. What this has done for me, personally, is that instead of always feeling starved and eating at whatever fast food place is nearby or whatever is fastest to cook/fry, I can now take the time to look up the nutrition facts on EVERYTHING. I am horrified at what I was putting in my body...I thought all i had to do is eat smaller portions, but now I realize that if one meal was 2000+ calories even a smaller portion is just too damn much. Initially, the meds made me not want to eat at all and I was lucky to hit 1000 calories/day and I started craving salads, veggies and fruit because that's all that tasted good. I've increased my eating and I still eat out and it's been fun researching what food I can eat at different places...certainly not the food I THOUGHT was healthier like some of the 900 calorie salads. MFP has been vital to my progress because I log absolutely everything I eat and hold myself accountable for unhealthy choices.
One month ago I started doing cardio (elliptical) at a gym for about 15 minutes 2x per week. Now I do 35-45 min on the elliptical and a little resistance at least 4 days per week and walk in my neighborhood 2 to 4 miles (half of which is uphill) 2 more days. When I don't get to exercise I feel like crap and really wish I could workout several times a day, everyday. However, when I finish working out, it is the only time I feel famished and need to eat. A few days ago, I made the mistake of getting a double cheeseburger from McDonald's after the gym (thinking I needed fast calories and protein plus it was always my fav.)...much to my surprise, it tasted AWFUL and I had to give it to my son...I'll be sticking to the grilled chicken wrap for 210 calories. I decided to return to the clinic today for 1 more month of meds because I will be starting weight training this week and have already been told I need to increase my calories and protein...that, combined with the hunger I already have after exercising, honestly scares me. I want to make sure I learn how to increase everything healthily and maintain that before I stop the meds.
So does my lack of willpower and fear of failure make me weak-minded, yes, I suppose it does. Am I looking for the easy out? Hell NO!! I am 35 years old and still weigh 257 lbs, if you think going from a sedentary lifestyle to exercising 6 days a week for 1-2 hours is easy, for me, then so be it, but I know I'm working my *kitten* off more now than I have in my entire life. I feel freaking fantastic and for the first time I'm proud of myself and part of that is because I recognized my weaknesses and chose to get help.
Again, I would not recommend medication (certainly not over-the-counter) to anyone else, especially without knowing the risks involved like the ones featured in that article (which I thought was informative, btw). I agree that a lot, of people are looking for a way to lose weight with minimal effort. But I also know that there are others like me, who are using medication as a tool to help keep their heads above water as they learn how to swim.
I'm hoping this will shed some light on the subject and provide people an alternative opinion on those of us who are using medication more as a tool for weight loss instead of a crutch.