Among the medicines commonly used in the treatment of obesity is “Lipo 6”, which is classified as a nutritional supplement, as it is considered more than one compound in one tablet, and is found in pharmacies as in supermarkets, and such medicines are not subject to all experiments and quality standards like other medicines , according to the doctor of weight reduction and laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Mohamed Attia.
And Dr. Attia reveals the components of this drug, which began to spread three years ago, and it consists of five compounds, namely:
1. Synephrine:
Synephrine is a substance extracted from bitter orange, and it may be made chemically, and it is similar to ephedrine in its effect in increasing metabolic rates, burning fat and reducing appetite, and also similar to it in its side effects, such as: high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and tension. Fears of angina pectoris and sudden death were received from some organizations.
2. Caffeine:
Caffeine (caffeine anhydrous) is a stimulant of the nervous system, found in stimulants such as tea, coffee, cola and chocolate, and gives high energy, so that it helps to strengthen exercise by increasing energy levels, so the International Olympic Committee prevents exceeding specific doses. Most energy and fat-burning supplements contain caffeine, because it helps exercise more strength, endurance, and fat-burning efficiency, and many athletes take a cup of coffee before exercise instead of medication.
3. Gagelsterone:
Guggulsterones are a plant-based steroid that has been used for centuries as a therapeutic substance. It stimulates the thyroid gland, which raises metabolic rates. It is also an appetite suppressant, and the drug’s manufacturers claim it reduces bad cholesterol and blood lipids. In addition to nausea, it may lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and skin rashes, and it is prohibited to use it in patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel.
4. Bioperine:
Bioperine, extracted from black pepper, increases metabolic rates and has antioxidant properties. Bioperine increases the absorption of vitamins and minerals, which is a double-edged sword, as it protects dieters from vitamin and mineral deficiencies, but it increases the absorption rates of other medicines, so their levels rise in the blood, so it is preferable not to take it with other medicines, as it may cause irritation to the respiratory system.
5. Yohimbine:
Yohimbine is extracted from an evergreen tree in central Africa. The substance is mainly an vasodilator, so it is used as an aphrodisiac. It also helps athletes get blood to the muscles, thus improving their performance during training. It also increases the amount of blood reaching the fatty tissues, and thus faster burning of fats. It is also used to treat fatigue, help relieve pain, and treat depression. It is not preferred to use the substance for women, and those who suffer from kidney problems, and it must be ensured that there is no allergy to it.
And Dr. Attia warns against taking any types of slimming drugs, before consulting a doctor and doing the necessary tests in order to know the body’s sensitivity to any chemical compounds that may harm it, and says: “I do not recommend taking (Lipo 6) for those who do not exercise, and I do not recommend it for those who engage in light sports. It increases its side effects, and it appears clearly on those who take it, and it is forbidden to take it by pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those under the age of eighteen.”
The side effects of “Lipo 6” can be summarized by the damages of each compound separately, although the most famous of them are anxiety, tension and insomnia, which increase by exceeding the prescribed doses, which is what happens to many of its users. The company was not satisfied with one product, but recently released concentrated capsules, and another for women. The problem remains that there is no accurate follow-up of the product, nor its side effects, and the presence of more than one substance in one tablet may interact in an unknown way leading to uncalculated results.
