Health News Posts

Wyeth Pharmeceticals, makers of the 90′s diet cocktail known as Fen-Phen (a combination of fenfluramine and phentermine), apparently won a lawsuit filed against them.

Curiously, I haven’t been able to find out any of the details of this claim. Although the win was announced today — and issued by a Judge with whom I’m actually acquainted — the only thing to hit the news thus far are press releases. (I do have a call in to the Judge’s office and will let you know what, if anything, I find out.)

As a one-time user of Fen-Phen, let me just tell you that I have never — EVER — found a “magic pill” that worked like those two babies combined. I only took it for one week, and in those 7 days I lost 9 pounds. Yes, you read that right: nine. That’s one whole pants size in one week, which might make it understandable why I’m curious as to the basis for the verdict.

Fenfluramine, for those who are too young to recall the horror that manifested once physicians began prescribing the mix of both medications, was designed to increase neurotransmitter uptake of serotonin — the antithesis of modern anti-depressants. Phentermine, on the other hand, is an anorectic agent: an appetite suppresant. As most of us know, that latter part translates to “stimulant”.

The combination of the two — one a downer, one an upper — somehow “jived” to produce dramatic weight loss… and heart attacks.

Which, for you young ones, is also the reason why so many are suspicious of Alli (despite the fact that Alli only works in the GI tract — without affecting the CNS or cardio-pulmonary systems).

Once burned, twice shy as the saying goes.

Is it just me, or is the number of “nutrition-enhanced” foods and beverages starting to scare anyone? Look, I understand the importance of getting my vitamins and minerals, particularly if you’re taking Alli like I am. And, while I try to eat a varied diet since it remains the best source of good nutrition, I do take a multi-vitamin with minerals every day.

Which is why I’d never consider also drinking something like new Diet Coke Plus which, according to Medill Reports, includes vitamin supplements selected by consumers. In addition to the usual calorie-free soda, the drink also contains niacin, B6, B12, zinc and magnesium.

Look, I’ve heard of people hooked on Diet Coke, some of whom even drink 12 cans daily. No doubt, many of these folks will be tempted to make the switch to Diet Coke Plus thinking that it’s more h

But they couldn’t be more wrong.

• Too much B6, for instance, can lead to numbness in hands and/or feet, suicidal tendencies, heart palpitations, spinal and nerve degeneration… you get the point.
• Too much B12 is associated with anemia, some types of leukemia, liver and kidney diseases and more.
• Too much magnesium can cause cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, depression and more spinal/nerve degeneration.
• Too much niacin triggers flushing, tingling skin, gout, diabetes-like symptoms and more.

These “enhanced” drinks tout their vitamin and mineral content which, as far as Coke’s manufacturer is concerned, make them “health and wellness” products. Unfortunately, folks who drink diet soda like it was water are most likely to fall for this dangerous marketing gimmick. But, really, when was the last time water gave you spinal and nerve degeneration, heart palpitations and suicidal tendencies?

Think you need to sign up for one of those expensive weight loss programs that require you to show up for regular meetings? Or do you believe a doctor’s the best resource to turn to when you want to lose weight?

Actually, the answer may be staring you in your face. Literally. That computer monitor you’re looking at is your window to weight loss, says a recent study from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

The study, conducted by Dr. Kevin O. Hwang, analyzed postings over a 1-month period (during 2006) in 18 weight loss forums.

Of the 3,368 initial messages posted to the Internet forums, 266 (nearly 8 percent) were requests for weight loss advice, the researchers report.

A total of 654 messages were posted in response to those requests, including 56 postings (8.6 percent) that contained erroneous advice. However, about a third (34 percent) of this misinformation was later corrected, the investigators observed.

Only 43 messages (6.6 percent) contained advice considered to be potentially harmful, such as encouragement to take over-the-counter weight loss aids that can cause potential harm. But more than a quarter (28 percent) of those messages were also later corrected, the investigators note.

Which is why, naturally, you should have Chubby Mommy bookmarked, if not set to your home page. Because I’m looking out for my waistline, as well as yours.