Dietpills:notalwayswhatthe doctorordered

by Andrea Koch assistant copy editor

The newest craze for peopl_e who have trouble losing excessive weight is diet pills. But are these pills effective and safe?

Being overweight is a serious health problem. Risks include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain types of cancer, according to the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics.

Excess weight may be the result of unhealthy eating habits, low physical activity and metabolic rate and may also be hereditary.

Jill and Sue, two Cabrini students wishing to remain anonymous, are farniliar with the program Phen/Phen.

This program has two pillspondernin and adipex - which suppress appetite and elevate the metabolic rate.

Jill went to her family doctor when she wanted to lose weight. She had to take several blood tests, which checked for a thyroid or cholesterol problem.

The doctor prescribed a onemonth supply of these pills for

Jill. These pills are considered a drug, only available by prescription and illegal to dispense without one.

Although these pills reduce her hunger, Jill must eat healthy and exercise to lose weight.

Jane Malyn, a registered dietitian, said the end result of the pills usually are negative. Malyn was at the health fair sponsored by Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in the Widener Center gathering area.

"They may lose weight in the short run but gain it back in the long run," Malyn said.

"When you lose weight fast, you lose water and body mass as opposed to fat tissue, which is your ultimate goal. The weight you tend to regain is fat, which results in a 'fatter' you in the end," Malyn said.

Sue was on the Phen/Phen program for three months last year and lost 35 pounds.

Sue said you may gain three to five pounds after the program because your body is adjusting to the new body weight.

Sue believes anyone can lose

Men's Basketball Women's Basketball

weight who is serious about it. "You must change to healthier eating habits and exercise regularly,"she said.

condition.

of each prescription, Jill has h e r weight checked and

At the end some more tests taken by her doctor. From this point, the doctor can re-fill the prescription or choose not to, depending on the patient's health

Although Jill has been taking the pills since September, she said taking the pills for more than three months can affect your heart. That is why the doctor visits are important and patients must be monitored carefully.

Jill also lost 35 pounds on Phen/Phen. "The program is excellent but it's not for people IO or 15 pounds overweight," Jill said. "If you're serious, you'll keep it off. You must work at it, like anything else you do," Jill said.

Side effects from the pills include an increased heart rate, hyperactivity, which manifests itself with a lot of talking, possible loss of sleep and a dry mouth. "You tend to chew gum and drink fluids more frequently," Sue said.

Jill had nightmares. "I was being chased by crazy squirrels on campus," she said. Most of her nightmares consisted of animals chasing her. Sue did not report she had any type of nightmares.

Sue is one of the younger patients her doctor put on this program. The rest are adults in their 40s. Her doctor only has about four or five patients on Phen/Phen, according to Sue.

Sue was always involved i,1 athletics and ate healthy. She r as a healthy family history, but still she remained overweight for her proper health. This is when she turned to her family doctor for assistance to lose the excess weight.

Since the pills were a prescription for Sue, it was covered by her health insurance and cost $29 for a month's supply. The pills are given in supplies of one month, so that the doctor can monitor the patient's health changes.

These pills are for people who are more than 20 pounds overweight and who are willing to change their lifestyle and commit themselves to losing weight, Malyn said.

"We all want to win the lottery and be millionaires and pop a pill and be healthy, but unfortunately life doesn't work that way," said Malyn. "You must work hard, eat healthy and exercise."

Notables

0 On Saturday, Feb.8, first-year student Jen McGowan set a new Cabrini women's record in the high jump at the Widener University Invitational Meet.

0 The men's basketball team continued their excellent play of late by defeating Misericordia on Saturday, Feb.8, by the score of 59-53. Senior tri-captain Ken Skitek led the Cavs with 12 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore center Cory Miller also chipped in with 12 points. With the victory, the Cavs have improved their record to 10-2 in the PAC and 12-6 overall as they are currently on a six game winning streak.

0 Senior captain Megan Dillon continues to lead the women's basketball team and the country in assists, as she is averaging 7 .5 assists per game. Dillon has become the Lady Cavs all-time leader in assists, steals and rebounds this season.

0 The track and field team will be participating in the Haverford University Invitational Meet on Saturday, Feb. 15.

0 Sophomore center Melissa Posse is currently second in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference in both scoring and rebounds. Posse is averaging 23.9 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game. 1......-