Phen/Fen :: Drugs Weight Loss Obesity Health Essays

Phen/Fen What is Phen/Fen and How Does it Work? Phen/fen is a popular drug treatment for obesity and binge eating disorders. Two medications named phentermine (phen) and fenfluramine (fen) are taken together in order to work in a balanced fashion on two of the body's neurotransmitters. Phentermine blocks the absorption of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopomine is a stimulant that raises the body's temperature and increases metabolic rate. The effect of this blockage is a decreased appetite and an increase in metabolic rate (http://www.ulink.net/-dtison/). Fenfluramine works on the nuerotransmitter called serotonin. Increased levels of serotonin make someone feel calm and full. Fenfluramine increases the levels of serotonin available for the body to use which tricks the body into feeling fuller and decreasing one's appetite. 'The strength of the fen/phen protocol is that it permits regulation of each nuerotransmitter independently. Were there to be an insuff iciency of dopomine, the phentermine (phen) dose can be increased; a n excess of serotonin, the fenfluramine (fen) dose is tapered' (http://www.fenphen.com/philosophy.html). Phen/fen regulates the body's natural chemistry and keeps it in balance. By doing so, 'it eliminates psychological cravings for food, cuts down excessive hunger, and reduces depression-related ailments that result in eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia" (http://www.fenphen.com/hope.html). The internet contains hundreds of web sites full of information on phen/fen along with advertisements for the treatment. But, it should be understood that "they are not 'fat pills,' as has been mentioned in some of the news media; they do not absorb fat or block fat from entering the system. They do not alter one's genetic make-up, which can be a contributing cause of obesity' (http://kingsfans.com/wein.htm) Who Qualifies for Treatment? Phen/fen treatments are meant for people who have a BMI (body mass index) of 28 or higher or are at least 20% over their ideal body weight (Anonymous, 1996). However, cases have been documented where people have been given the treatment who did not fit that criteria. For example, Teagan Clive (1997) reported in Joe Weider's Muscle and Fitness that she received the treatment although she was only 8% over her ideal body weight. The bottom line is that these companies are selling a product to make money, and they are not too concerned with people's health. To see if you qualify for treatment, check out the Medical Weight Management web site (http://www.phenfen.com). The site has a place to fill in your measurements so that you can calculate your body mass index and find out if you can sign up. Phen/Fen :: Drugs Weight Loss Obesity Health Essays Phen/Fen What is Phen/Fen and How Does it Work? Phen/fen is a popular drug treatment for obesity and binge eating disorders. Two medications named phentermine (phen) and fenfluramine (fen) are taken together in order to work in a balanced fashion on two of the body's neurotransmitters. Phentermine blocks the absorption of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopomine is a stimulant that raises the body's temperature and increases metabolic rate. The effect of this blockage is a decreased appetite and an increase in metabolic rate (http://www.ulink.net/-dtison/). Fenfluramine works on the nuerotransmitter called serotonin. Increased levels of serotonin make someone feel calm and full. Fenfluramine increases the levels of serotonin available for the body to use which tricks the body into feeling fuller and decreasing one's appetite. 'The strength of the fen/phen protocol is that it permits regulation of each nuerotransmitter independently. Were there to be an insuff iciency of dopomine, the phentermine (phen) dose can be increased; a n excess of serotonin, the fenfluramine (fen) dose is tapered' (http://www.fenphen.com/philosophy.html). Phen/fen regulates the body's natural chemistry and keeps it in balance. By doing so, 'it eliminates psychological cravings for food, cuts down excessive hunger, and reduces depression-related ailments that result in eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia" (http://www.fenphen.com/hope.html). The internet contains hundreds of web sites full of information on phen/fen along with advertisements for the treatment. But, it should be understood that "they are not 'fat pills,' as has been mentioned in some of the news media; they do not absorb fat or block fat from entering the system. They do not alter one's genetic make-up, which can be a contributing cause of obesity' (http://kingsfans.com/wein.htm) Who Qualifies for Treatment? Phen/fen treatments are meant for people who have a BMI (body mass index) of 28 or higher or are at least 20% over their ideal body weight (Anonymous, 1996). However, cases have been documented where people have been given the treatment who did not fit that criteria. For example, Teagan Clive (1997) reported in Joe Weider's Muscle and Fitness that she received the treatment although she was only 8% over her ideal body weight. The bottom line is that these companies are selling a product to make money, and they are not too concerned with people's health. To see if you qualify for treatment, check out the Medical Weight Management web site (http://www.phenfen.com). The site has a place to fill in your measurements so that you can calculate your body mass index and find out if you can sign up.