(fao plump Scters) 'Bangkok Pills' or 'St Carlos Medislim'
Deckard
the names but here are the complete details about these drugs.
OF COURSE, I must MODESTLY tell you that I got the explanation from
*my correspondent (currently) at the university in Khon Kaen working
in public health, which I'll preserve the anonymity, but here's the
link to papers some of his colleagues have co-authored*:
www.thenewstoday.info/2008/01/04/bangkok.pills.html
;-)
Athletic Mort
_
Bangkok Pills are a combination drug marketed for weight reduction
which had gained notoriety a few years ago for the various serious
complications reported attendant to their use. According to the weight
control company's Dr. Wanit T, who responded to my email, the program
is known as 'Bangkok Pills' or 'St Carlos Medislim'. I noted with
great suspicion that, while he was quite eager for me to order from
Medislim and give my credit card number via the internet, he did not
want me (and I suppose, the public) to know his surname. I wonder why?
What drugs are in these pills?
Among the substances in these pills are bisacodyl, furosemide,
phenteramine, and fenfluramine (a drug banned in the Philippines,
Thailand and the United States).
How do appetite suppressants work?
Appetite suppressants curb appetite by causing a feeling of satiety
(being full) by increasing the blood level of serotonin and
cathecholamine, two brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite.
How do Bangkok Pills work?
These are also appetite suppressants, but at the same time they act as
a diuretic (induces urination to remove water from the body) because
of the furosemide (Lasix, a well-known diuretic) in the Bangkok pills.
Who should not take Bangkok Pills?
No one in his/her right mind should take Bangkok Pills because of the
many serious complications that have been reported from their use, the
very reason why these pills are banned. Manufacturers of appetite
suppressants in general list the following as contraindications for
taking them: pregnancy and breast-feeding, eating disorders, migraine,
diabetes, thyroid diseases, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart
conditions, those on MAO (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) antidepressant
pills.
Do Bangkok Pills contain Shabu?
Some Bangkok Pills have been marketed to contain Shabu. This is
another reason why no one should take these pills, except perhaps by
masochist, and only for purposes of self-destruction or suicide.
Is it true Bangkok Pills improve sex drive?
On the contrary, these pills have led to severely diminished libido
and sexual performance among men and women. The electrolyte imbalance
and altered body chemistry as a result of taking these pills rob the
body of its normal healthy harmony. This leads to poor general
constitution and bodily functions, including sex. Weight loss might be
achieved, but at the severe expense of health and the sense of
well-being. Weight reduction for better health is a goal worth
achieving, so it does not make any sense at all to risk health itself
(or even life) in the process of reaching that goal.
What are the adverse side-effects of taking Bangkok Pills?
Adverse complications reported following ingestion of Bangkok Pills
include, among others, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), palpitation
(pounding heart beat), arrythmia (irregular heart rhythm), angina
(chest pain), sweating, trembling, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue,
drowsiness, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, seizures, stroke or even
death. Fenfluramine use has been linked to damages in heart valve and
the development of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (abnormally high
pressure in the arteries of the lungs), which are rare but fatal.
Death usually occurred within 4 years in 45% of patients taking this
appetite suppressant. The FDA banned this drug on September 15, 1997.
A few cases have been associated with phenteramine intake also.
Are there appetite suppressants that are safe?
Specific proprietary medications prescribed by, and taken under the
supervision of, a physician specializing in the management of obesity,
used as a part of an approved, well-formulated weight reduction
program, are safe. But even these are not used as a first resort
therapy. The safest way to control weight is by reduction in the
calorie intake and increasing physical activities (daily exercise
program) to burn off calories and fat. After one has tried his/her
honest best to eat less and do physical exercise daily, and still
unable to lose weight, then a diet suppressant may be recommended by
the physician, who is thoroughly familiar with the person's medical
history.
How about Fat Burners?
Fat burners as the name implies are supposed to rid the body of fat as
a way of reducing weight and fat. These are substances that have
serious side-effects also, besides being too expensive for what they
are really worth. Taking fat burners is not a healthy way to control
body weight. Since the body weight depends on caloric intake (food)
versus caloric output (exercise), the physiological and safe strategy
is to eat less and do more physical exercises. More than 90% of
overweight people can effectively lose weight on their own (using the
technic we described in this column) without resorting to diet pills,
diet foods or diet drinks, which are just a waste of money.
What is a safer and cheaper approach to weight control?
One simple and inexpensive way to curb one's appetite is to drink a
tall glass of ice cold water or grapefruit juice before each meal.
This will make the stomach feel partly full and send a message to the
brain that it is partly satisfied. This leads to decrease in the
appetite. Another is to stop all snacks and in-between meal binges.
For breakfast, a glass of juice and fruits (no rice, no bread, no
meat, etc) should be enough. For lunch, vegetable salad and grapefruit
fruit juice (not coffee or chocolate or beer or soft drinks) should be
adequate. The dinner should be moderate and not a large one to
compensate for the other two meals. Eat as little rice and bread
(carbohydrates in general) as possible. Daily multivitamins and
minerals are recommended. If the weight remains the same, it only
means the caloric intake is still too much. Therefore, the intake
should be reduced further daily, until the weight (which should be
taken once a week) starts coming down. Daily physical exercises, like
brisk walking, Tae-Bo, aerobic exercises, ballroom dancing, etc. are a
must, if one wishes to control body weight and be healthy. This
strategy is fairly simple (which you can do on your own), inexpensive,
natural, healthy and devoid of serious complications attendant to
ingestion of weight control pills. As is obvious, discipline and firm
determination are a prerequisite. Before starting any exercise or
weight reduction program, consult your physician for his expert
advice.