It is midnight on the 14th, and I just finished the newsletter thus this one did not get proofread. So please forgive any grammatical, spelling or “that doesn’t make sense” errors. I think you'll still get the overall point.
My how time flys. It’s the 15th already and time for another newsletter. I have been fairly pressed for time of late (haven’t we all) so I will have to save some of the topics I wanted to talk about for another time. But there is one thing in particular that has recently pissed me off- the FDA (again).
THIS JUST IN…….
From the agency that brought you Phen-Fen,
ok’d a toxic flu vaccine
said Vioxx was okee-dokee,
now comes Orlistat! Squirt your way to fat loss!
Yes indeed, the fine folks at the FDA have just approved the weight loss drug Orlistat for over the counter sale. It is in fact the first over-the-counter diet drug to win approval from the Food & Drug Administration. I have just one question for you: How much anal leakage is too much? I know my answer, but more on that in a minute.
The drug works by blocking fat absorption in the gut, thus reducing the number of calories users actually consume. The undigested fat is then passed in the stool. Testing shows Orlistat blocks a whopping 150-200 calories. Obese people who took Orlistat in six month clinical studies lost on average 5.3 pounds to 6.2 pounds more than did those who were given placebo pills. Just so we care clear, that is about a pound a month. To be more clear, that is a really lousy rate of fat loss. The study did not indicate if the weight lost was actual fat mass.
Here’s the really fun part; noted side effects include “oily spotting on underwear, flatulence, urgent bowel movements, fatty or oily stools, increased number of bowel movements, abdominal pain or discomfort, and inability to hold back stool (incontinence).” You read that right, inability to hold back stool. Sounds like the wonder drug of the future doesn’t it? Sign me up.
So why if this drug is such crap (pardon the pun) is the FDA approving it for sale? They have 1.5 billion reasons. When offered over the counter, the estimated sale price of Orlistat will be between $15-25 per week, and with an estimated 5-6 million buyers per year that would mean 1.5 billion in revenue for Glaxo. Now I’m not saying that Glaxo bribed the FDA in any way, I’m just saying it would not be the first time money had something to do with a drug being ok’d.
I must admit though that I am slightly torn on this issue. On one hand if people are stupid enough to buy this stuff then they will get what they deserve- not much weight loss and messy underpants. On the other hand the people should be able to trust the agency whose sole purpose it is to protect them from any harm that might befall them in the form of food or drugs. The FDA has dropped the ball again.
So why do I care? Band-aids, that’s why. Stick with me here. Everyday I consult with people looking for a quick fix. The latest supplement that will help them lose weight, get to sleep, stop feeling the pain, whatever. I have had one client who unbeknownst to me was gulping down Advil like M&M’s because he was having some shoulder pain. It is extremely short sighted, and will ultimately lead to failure. It is not addressing the underlying problem, it is just putting a Band-Aid on it. And that is what Orlistat it doing. It telling obese people they can continue to eat what they want, and this magic pill will make it all ok. It does not address the real issue- they are eating like crap.
“Band-aids” are temporary solutions at best. At worst they will allow bad habits to continue. Orlistat is flawed in both concept and practice. If your shoulder hurts, figure out why and fix it. If you are overweight, figure out why and fix that. It is not always easy and it is not always fun (unless you train at Carter Fitness where it is always fun & easy- ok, not really), but there are those around you who care about you and can help. Please take responsibility for your heath, and make good choices for better health and a better life. Plus if stay away from Orlistat you are less likely to crap your pants.
A little ranty this time, but until next time…..
Feel free to contact me with any questions
Joshua Carter
The Body Transformation Expert
Carter Fitness
http://carterfitness.com/
818-337-6175
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