With the arrival of summer and swimsuits, many French people risk being tempted by a weight loss diet, without necessarily needing it.
In view of the resurgence of “miracle cures” for weight loss, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) publishes a report on the ineffectiveness or even the dangerousness of these products.
“The increase in overweight and obesity in France over the past twenty years, the cult of thinness, the constantly renewed promotion and offer of products, devices or methods claiming an effect on weight, are just as many factors at the origin of a growing quest for weight loss, ”explains the ANSM in its report. “Yet losing weight is neither trivial nor without consequences for health. Such an approach without medical indication and / or based on methods without scientific basis can have serious consequences for health ”, she warns. To lose weight when you are overweight or obese, nothing beats comprehensive care, based on a balanced diet, sufficient and regular physical activity as well as appropriate medical monitoring. “There is no miracle product” to lose weight, recalls the Medicines Agency, which has examined under a magnifying glass drugs, plants and others food supplements to lose weight.
Limited efficacy drugs for obesity
While there are a few drugs for weight loss in obese or overweight people in France, their effectiveness remains modest. Xenical acts for example by reducing the absorption of fats at the digestive level. However, sales of this drug have been plummeting since the 1990s, proof of its lack of effectiveness. Other products like Mysimba raise questions in view of their potentially serious side effects. In all cases, the ANSM recalls that this type of medication should only be prescribed in the event of failure of other weight loss methods such as the establishment of a healthier diet and physical exercise. And even if we use these drugs, they must be accompanied by these dietary measures for the weight loss to be sustained.
The dangers of plants and supplements sold on the internet
The ANSM also warns about the potential dangers of plant-based products. Often considered healthy, some plants are not necessarily harmless. They can interact with certain drugs but also cause undesirable effects that are dangerous to health. This is particularly the case ofbitter orange, or citrus aurantium, which can cause heart palpitations or even heart attacks. This type of food supplement is however freely available in pharmacies and on the internet. The web is also full of a whole bunch of “miracle” products sometimes containing banned or toxic substances.
As a general rule, the ANSM recalls that appetite suppressants, fat sensors and physical methods (massage, infrared, ultrasound) aimed at slimming do not benefit from any tangible scientific proof. “Everyone must remain vigilant in the face of promises of efficiency, miracle methods and other quackery”, therefore advises the Agency. The desire to lose weight at all costs should not come at the expense of health. A medical follow-up remains strongly advised.
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