Should You Continue Taking Nometin? A Nutritionist's Perspective

Should I continue taking Normetex?

Hello, nutritionist: I would like to ask about my current use of Normetrex 15mg.
I obtained the medication directly from the manufacturer through a friend who works in a hospital, without a doctor's prescription.
I have been taking it for three weeks now, but I do not see any trend of weight loss.
In the first week of taking it, I experienced many side effects, including palpitations, dizziness, nausea, and my blood pressure has consistently been about 20 mmHg higher than before.
Up to now, my blood pressure remains elevated.
The main issue is that I feel like I cannot achieve satiety after taking the medication and I get hungry very quickly.
I am unsure if my diet is incorrect or if Normetrex is not suitable for me.
BP: 148/90 (after taking medication) BP: 120/75 (before taking medication).

Doris, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/22

Dr. Qi Minghua reply Nutrition

Hello! I urge you to promptly visit the hospital for a physician's assessment to determine whether you are suitable for taking Normetex.
Otherwise, there is a risk that symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, palpitations, and dizziness may not improve, leading to irreversible consequences.
As for whether your diet is inappropriate, I cannot provide advice without knowing the specifics of your dietary intake.
I encourage you to visit the hospital's nutrition consultation clinic, where I believe the dietitian will provide modifications and design a plan based on your diet.
Wishing you success in achieving healthy weight loss!
Sincerely,
Dietitian Qi Minghua

Reply Date: 2005/04/22

More Info

When considering the use of Nometin (or any weight loss medication), it's essential to approach the situation with caution, especially if you are self-medicating without the guidance of a healthcare professional. Nometin, which contains the active ingredient orlistat, is designed to assist with weight loss by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines. However, it is crucial to understand that weight loss medications are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

From your description, it seems you have experienced several side effects since starting Nometin, including heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, and elevated blood pressure. These symptoms are concerning and warrant immediate attention. The increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 120/75 mmHg to 148/90 mmHg is significant and could pose health risks, especially if sustained over time. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate these symptoms and determine whether continuing the medication is safe for you.

Moreover, the lack of satiety and rapid return of hunger after meals could indicate that the medication is not effectively curbing your appetite, which is one of the intended effects of weight loss medications. This could be due to various factors, including individual metabolic responses, dietary choices, or the specific formulation of the medication. It is also possible that your body is not responding to the medication as expected, which can happen with weight loss drugs.

In terms of dietary habits, focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats—can significantly impact your weight loss journey. It may be beneficial to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can help you develop a personalized meal plan that meets your nutritional needs while supporting your weight loss goals. They can also provide guidance on portion sizes and meal timing to help manage hunger and improve satiety.

Additionally, consider incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, as exercise plays a crucial role in weight management and overall health. Aim for a combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises to enhance your fitness and support weight loss.

In summary, while Nometin may offer some benefits for weight loss, the side effects you are experiencing and the lack of desired results suggest that it may not be the right choice for you. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms, evaluate your current treatment plan, and explore alternative options. A holistic approach that includes dietary changes, exercise, and possibly other weight management strategies may be more effective and sustainable in the long run. Your health and well-being should always be the top priority, and professional guidance can help you navigate this process safely.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Effects of Nomitine: Weight Loss and Body Fat Concerns

I recently started using weight loss medication prescribed by a pharmacist, which is divided into morning and evening doses. The morning formula includes: Nometine + fish oil + ... (I am not sure about the other ingredients), and the evening formula includes: fish oil + liver ext...

Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Naltrexone acts on the hypothalamic satiety center, inhibiting the duration of neurotransmitter action, which leads to a feeling of fullness and a decreased appetite for further eating, thereby reducing caloric intake. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, and constipatio...

Recovering from Harmful Diet Pills: The Role of Nutritional Therapy

I previously took some harmful weight loss pills that seemed to contain ephedra or other drug components. While I was taking them, I experienced significant weight loss, a lack of appetite, excellent metabolism, and I was able to sweat easily. I could also stay up late to finish ...

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello, the use of harmful weight loss medications can indeed cause significant damage to your body. It is recommended that you visit a hospital to check for any potential harm to your liver and kidney functions. First, you need to adjust your lifestyle and diet to be more regular...

Breaking Through Weight Loss Plateaus: Tips and Concerns

Hello, I am 165 cm tall and my weight increased to 72 kg after giving birth. After six months of exercise and dietary control, I have lost 9 kg (down to around 63 kg). My body fat percentage decreased from 42% to 31%, and I have maintained my weight for six months without regaini...

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Physical Fitness
May: When weight loss reaches a plateau, it indicates that absorption and metabolism have reached a balance. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the intake of high-fat and high-carbohydrate foods (sugars and starches) and to increase the body's metabolic rate. It is recomme...

Understanding Drug and Vitamin Metabolism: Risks and Recommendations

I have a question to ask you. Do medications necessarily cause irreversible damage to the body (such as to the liver, kidneys, or stomach), which is why they should not be taken indiscriminately, only when ill, and never in excess? They should be taken under the guidance of a pro...

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Medications should not be taken casually; they require a prescription from a physician after proper diagnosis, and pharmacists ensure safe dispensing. As for multivitamins, they refer to a combination of various vitamins, which are nutrients rather than medications, and th...