Dieting

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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ASAP

If you are taking diet pills and notice unusual breathlessness

• Immediately see a doctor to determine if you have Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) – the sooner PPH is diagnosed, the better the chances for recovery

Before meals

• Avoid drinking alcohol – some believe it increases your appetite. You can also try using weight loss pills which will work also as an appetite suppresant.

During meals

• Drink lots of water to help fill you up
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
• Avoid, or only eat small amounts of, foods high in calories from fat (preferably no more than approx. 30% of calories from fat)
• Take small bites
• Be aware that there’s often a tendency to eat more when you’re with other people – because you don’t pay attention to how much you’re eating

Regularly

• Exercise (see your doctor before beginning a strenuous exercise program)

Medications

If you’re considering taking diet pills (medications)

• Be aware that:

  Phen-Fen (Phentermine Fenfluramine) and Redux have reportedly caused a potentially fatal disease (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)) in many patients (reportedly caused 20-40 deaths per year in France due to PPH)

  PPH can require that a patient undergo a heart and lung transplant

  PPH may prevent a woman from having children

  PPH may require a patient to use a heart pump for the rest of his/her life

  Phen-Fen and Redux recommended only for people with serious obesity problems

  Some doctors prescribe diet pills to people who do not have a serious obesity problem – doctors may over-prescribe diet pills for the potentially large profits

  There is often a tendency to regain weight after you stop taking the diet drugs

  Most diet pills have side effects

  Most diet drugs are intended to be taken only for a limited duration

  Orlistat (Xenical) is designed for clinically obese people, may deprive the body of key vitamins (a supplement should be considered), can cause gastrointestinal problems, gas and/or diarrhea, and, may increase the risk of breast cancer

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