Abott Reductil

I've been struggling with my weight for the past 14 years. In my teens I was very slim, to the point of being underweight and could never gain any weight. I think things began going wrong when I began taking the contraceptive pill in my early twenties. Soon after, I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). This condition causes easier weight gain and slows the metabolism down, so many sufferers will struggle to maintain a healthy weight.
...including, calorie counting, Slim Fast, Weight Watchers, Atkins and visited several dieticians over the years, who all told me things I already knew. I had also been going to the gym on and off since 1992.

My weight fluctuated up and down and by 2000, I was a size 14/16 weighing between 11 and 12 stones. The worst thing about my body was my mid section; I had a huge stomach and looked about 7 months pregnant. Unfortunately, all the ... more

I've been struggling with my weight for the past 14 years. In my teens I was very slim, to the point of being underweight and could never gain any weight. I think things began going wrong when I began taking the contraceptive pill in my early twenties. Soon after, I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). This condition causes easier weight gain and slows the metabolism down, so many sufferers will struggle to maintain a healthy weight.

I tried many diets over the years including, calorie counting, Slim Fast, Weight Watchers, Atkins and visited several dieticians over the years, who all told me things I already knew. I had also been going to the gym on and off since 1992.

My weight fluctuated up and down and by 2000, I was a size 14/16 weighing between 11 and 12 stones. The worst thing about my body was my mid section; I had a huge stomach and looked about 7 months pregnant. Unfortunately, all the women in my family carry most of our excess body fat around our mid sections. No matter how much weight I lost, my stomach stayed with me, so none of my clothing fitted me comfortably in that area.

In 2003, I lost 8 pounds, getting down to 11 stones, but still felt fat. I took drastic action and had Liposuction on my stomach and waist; I went on to have further Lipo two years later. It was the best thing I could have done, finally I had a waistline and a flatter stomach and clothes in my size, also fitted around the waist. The operation gave me the added incentive to improve my body and health.

I stepped up my visits to the gym and went religiously 2 to 3 times per week, however, I still struggled with my diet, constantly craving sweet foods. I managed to lose another 4 pounds, weighing in at 10stones 10 pounds, but this is where I reached a plateau and could lose no more weight.

Then in 2004, I decided to start an evening course for gym instruction; I passed and went on to work in a gym. The course gave me the knowledge to workout smarter, my shape improved, I gained leaner muscle and the fat started going, but still I was not happy. I became interested in female bodybuilding, so a year later, I sought the advice of ex Female Bodybuilding Champion, Kimberly-Ann Jones, who gave me diet and exercise advice. I realised I had not been eating as healthily as I thought, nor exercising the best way.

Six months later, my body had transformed. I lost a further 7 pounds of body fat and I was leaner and slimmer than I'd been in years. This time, I had an athletic frame and I could actually see the outline of my stomach and oblique muscles as well as having defined arms and shoulders.

My good work and results went to pot this year. I met a man in January and embarked on a new relationship. I felt comfortable and coupled with eating out most days, consuming rich restaurant food, the weight began to creep back on. I could never refuse any rich, chocolaty dessert. In 5 months my weight escalated from 10stones 3 pounds to 12stones 6 pounds. I went from a size 10 back to 14/16, none of my clothes fitted and I had to resort to raiding my charity bag on the stairs for my old size 14 clothes, which were uncomfortably tight anyway.

I felt I'd really let myself down, it had taken me 3 years to get my body and weight to where I wanted and a matter of a few months to ruin it all. I kept promising myself I'd get back on track, I would start my healthy eating plan on a Monday, but lapse by Wednesday, gorging myself with chocolate and other unhealthy foods. My gym sessions lapsed too, from 4 times per week, I was now working out once in a blue moon.

It was like I'd become obsessed with food, I would have a big meal and 10 minutes later would be thinking about what else I could eat. One weekend, I stayed in all day and ate from the time I got up, until I went to bed. I must have consumed around 3500 calories, when my maximum daily requirement should have been around 2000.

My boyfriend was no help, he just encouraged me to eat more, saying, "You only live once". Thats all well and good, but I'd actually like to live beyond 60. I'd also been diagnosed with dangerously high cholesterol (7.8). Cholesterol is classified as high when it is above 5. As well as high Cholesterol, there is Diabetes in my family too, so I knew all these health risks would worsen if I carried on eating like this.

Now I've explained my weight problems, this is where Reductil comes in. I've known about Reductil for some years now, but never considered taking it; after all, it was designed for those with clinical obesity. Users of this drug, have to have a BMI of 30 or above.

I recently researched Reductil further and read that it was also prescribed for people who's BMI was under 30, providing they have high Cholesterol or Type 2 Diabetes. I decided, perhaps Reductil could give me the kick-start I needed to get back on track to my previous healthy lifestyle.

Reductil is an appetite suppressant. It contains the drug Sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydrate, which was previously used to treat depression. It works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals found in the body, they are stored in nerve cells and are involved in transmitting messages between nerve cells. They are released from the nerve cells as a message. Once the message has been transmitted, the nerve cells then reabsorb the neurotransmitter.

Sibutramine prevents two of these neurotransmitters, Noradrenaline and Serotonin, from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells. Noradrenaline and Serotonin are responsible for moderating mood in the brain. It is thought Sibutramine helps people to lose weight by increasing the quantity of Noradrenaline and Serotonin. This enhances the feeling of fulfillment from eating, and so makes you feel satisfied after eating less food.

Reductil comes in 10mg or 15mg capsules. One capsule is taken daily in the morning, with or without food and can only be taken for up to one year. There are a variety of reported side effects, including increase in blood pressure, sleep disturbance, dry mouth, pins and needles, light headedness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, anxiety, hot flushes, sweating, palpitations and in more extreme cases kidney failure, seizures and depression.

People with very high blood pressure, a history of Epilepsy, Depression, Kidney dysfunction, Strokes, Glaucoma, overactive Thyroid, Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia should not take Reductil. Also pregnant women or those breast-feeding must not use it either. If no weight is lost in the first 28 days of taking the 10mg capsules, the doctor will prescribe 15mg. If there is still no weight loss after this, then the programme may be stopped.

Having read all these risks and side effects, I decided it was worth the taking the chance. I wasn't concerned about my blood pressure rising, as it has always been quite low, so some marginal rise, shouldn't cause a problem.

I visited my GP last Tuesday 24th July and explained my predicament. Fortunately, she was sympathetic and prescribed me the 10mg capsules. It has been a week since I started taking Reductil and so far have lost 4 pounds. Reductil is not a miracle drug, a healthy eating and exercise plan should be followed. The drug has just taken the edge off my cravings for sweet foods; I am eating considerably less than before and exercising more. I no longer feel as obsessed with food.

My target weight is 10 stones, so I have a long way to go. I must return to see my GP in 3 weeks time, where my blood pressure and weight will be taken. As for side effects, so far nothing major, apart from sleep disturbance. I am waking up every 3 hours, but fall asleep again. However, for the first time in ages, I don't feel tired or lethargic.

It's still early days, so will update my progress in a month. Would I recommend the drug? Well. I would never take it upon myself to recommend any drug, prescription or otherwise. Anyone considering taking Reductil, should discuss it with their GP, to ascertain whether they are suitable or not. I would always advocate people losing weight through sensible, healthy eating and regular exercise.

Reductil is only available on prescription and costs the usual prescription charge. It can be purchased online from a variety of websites, but I feel this is risky, not only may the prospective user be unsuitable, it could also be dangerous and the drugs may be counterfeit. It can also be purchased privately through slimming clinics, but this method is very expensive, costing over £100 per month.

UPDATE: UPDATE: UPDATE:

07/09/07

I have now been taking Reductil for just over 6 weeks and so far, to date, I've lost 10 pounds. I expected to have lost at least a stone by now and it has, by no means been easy.

I am working out hard at least 3 times per week and whilst I'm not having the uncontrolable cravings I was having before starting the drug, I still have to manage my intake and the types of food I'm eating, which are all generally very healthy.

I still have a long way to go, my target weight is 10 stones, which will be lean for me, my musculature should be quite striated at that weight, which is my aim. At the moment, I'm weighing in at 11 stones 10 pounds. My starting weight was 12 stones 6 pounds.

As far as Reductil is concerned, it has definately helped me control my intake of food and I've had no significant side effects. My blood pressure remains low as always and I'm sleeping well. I will update further in another 4 to 6 weeks. 

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