The pursuit of optimal health and fitness has led many individuals to explore various weight loss solutions, including dietary supplements. Among these, Pezo Mega Weight Loss Capsules have garnered attention, particularly for their purported ability to target upper body fat. This article delves into the ingredients, efficacy, and safety considerations surrounding these capsules, providing a comprehensive overview for potential users.
Understanding Dietary Supplements and Weight Loss
Dietary supplements (DSs) are defined as products intended to supplement the diet, containing ingredients like vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other substances. They are often marketed to enhance athletic performance, promote weight loss, or address nutritional deficiencies. However, it's crucial to approach DSs with caution, considering the potential for contamination and the lack of stringent regulation in some regions.
The Prevalence and Perception of Dietary Supplements Among Athletes
Athletes, under immense pressure to excel, often turn to DSs to optimize their nutrition, increase energy levels, and improve recovery. Studies have revealed a high prevalence of DS use among athletes, with many relying on coaches and online sources for information. However, knowledge gaps and unsatisfactory attitudes towards supplementation are also common, highlighting the need for education and informed decision-making.
Examining Pezo Mega Weight Loss Capsules
Pezo Mega Slimming Pills are marketed as herbal fat burner capsules designed to help achieve weight loss goals safely and effectively, particularly for women seeking targeted upper body weight loss.
Key Features and Specifications
- Appearance: Capsules, designed for easy consumption and daily use.
- Target Audience: Women, specifically tailored for those seeking effective weight loss.
- Application: Marketed as beauty and weight loss products, enhancing beauty while aiding in weight reduction.
- Certifications: EPR_France_Packing, Healthcare-supplement-COA, EPR_Germany_Packing, CE, Food-facility-FDA, ensuring compliance with international standards.
- Dosage Form: Capsule, Pills, offering flexible options for diverse preferences.
- Flavor: Customizable, allowing for personalized taste preferences.
- Shelf Life: 36 months, ensuring long-lasting efficacy for extended use.
Models and Herbal Purity
Pezo Mega Slimming Pills come in different models with varying degrees of herbal purity:
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- Base Model: 100% Herbal Purity
- Advanced Model: 100% + 15% Herbal Purity
- Pro Model: 100% + 30% Herbal Purity
The Pro version boasts a 30% higher herbal purity than the industry standard, potentially ensuring a safer and more effective weight management solution.
Active Ingredients and Their Purported Benefits
- P57 (from Hoodia Cactus): A rare bioactive compound extracted from the Hoodia Cactus, traditionally used to suppress hunger during long hunts. It is included to control appetite and reduce calorie intake.
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dosage for Advanced Pezo Mega Slimming Pills Upper Body is one capsule twice a day, taken with plenty of water to ensure easy dissolution.
The Science Behind Weight Loss Medications
Prescription weight loss drugs may be an option for individuals with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or those with a BMI of at least 27 and one or more weight-related health conditions. These medications are intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program.
Types of Weight Loss Medications
- GLP-1 Agonists: These drugs, such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), mimic an intestinal hormone that stimulates insulin production, lowers appetite, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- Dual GLP-1 and GIP Agonists: Tirzepatide (Zepbound) imitates both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), further enhancing insulin production and reducing appetite.
- Other Medications: Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), orlistat (Alli, Xenical), and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) are other options that work through different mechanisms to suppress appetite or reduce fat absorption.
Important Considerations Before Taking Weight Loss Medications
Before starting any weight loss drug, it's crucial to inform your doctor about your medical history, including allergies, existing conditions, medications, supplements, and pregnancy status.
Potential Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss drugs can be associated with various side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and vomiting. More serious side effects can include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney damage, and suicidal thoughts.
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Dietary Supplements Market
The significant internal and external pressures and the misuse of DSs led to high demand and availability on the market, despite insufficient supporting scientific evidence. This has given rise to multi-billion dollar corporations that firmly market supplements as powerful ergogenic aids. The safety of ergogenic aids and DSs has been frequently discussed in many reports. Eichner and Tygart (2016) reported that 14% to 18% of DSs contain illegal contaminants, and it should be noted that even higher percentages of muscle-building supplements may contain actual drugs [7]. In addition, according to solid evidences, the routine use of DSs is associated with an increment in athletes’ doping susceptibilities [13] and the ingestion of contaminated supplements has caused athletes to fail drug tests [14,15,16], which threatened public health. For instance, in 2013, 44 athletes were admitted to the Hawaii Department of Health for “acute onset hepatitis of unknown origin”, [17]. Among them, 82% had used the supplement OxyELITE Pro, which contained the stimulant 1,3-Dimethylamylamine, also referred to as DMAA. The consumption of this supplement led to the hospitalization of 14 persons, one death, and two persons requiring liver transplants [17]. Without a doubt, dietary knowledge affects attitudes and practices among athletes who often rely on their coaches for nutrition/DSs guidance [18]. Obviously, searching for proper nutrition through the internet and the use of DSs are growing, however, reliable and authentic information should be evaluated. This has the potential to cause harm if the coaches and athletes are misinformed [18]. Similar to several other places, the production, promotion, and marketing of DSs in Lebanon is unregulated, putting the athletes at risk in relation to unintended doping through the use of contaminated DSs. Therefore, we aim in this study to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and usage of DSs among Lebanese athletes who practice their sports for at least two years.
Global Market and Regulation
Discussing the global sports supplement market, the significant internal and external pressures and the misuse of DSs led to high demand and availability on the market, despite insufficient supporting scientific evidence [10,11]. This has given rise to multi-billion dollar corporations that firmly market supplements as powerful ergogenic aids [12]. The safety of ergogenic aids and DSs has been frequently discussed in many reports. Eichner and Tygart (2016) reported that 14% to 18% of DSs contain illegal contaminants, and it should be noted that even higher percentages of muscle-building supplements may contain actual drugs [7]. In addition, according to solid evidences, the routine use of DSs is associated with an increment in athletes’ doping susceptibilities [13] and the ingestion of contaminated supplements has caused athletes to fail drug tests [14,15,16], which threatened public health. For instance, in 2013, 44 athletes were admitted to the Hawaii Department of Health for “acute onset hepatitis of unknown origin”, [17]. Among them, 82% had used the supplement OxyELITE Pro, which contained the stimulant 1,3-Dimethylamylamine, also referred to as DMAA. The consumption of this supplement led to the hospitalization of 14 persons, one death, and two persons requiring liver transplants [17]. Without a doubt, dietary knowledge affects attitudes and practices among athletes who often rely on their coaches for nutrition/DSs guidance [18]. Obviously, searching for proper nutrition through the internet and the use of DSs are growing, however, reliable and authentic information should be evaluated. This has the potential to cause harm if the coaches and athletes are misinformed [18]. Similar to several other places, the production, promotion, and marketing of DSs in Lebanon is unregulated, putting the athletes at risk in relation to unintended doping through the use of contaminated DSs. Therefore, we aim in this study to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and usage of DSs among Lebanese athletes who practice their sports for at least two years.
Historical Context of Weight Loss Drugs
The history of weight loss drugs is marked by both successes and failures. Fenfluramine, an appetite suppressant, was withdrawn from the market due to serious heart side effects. Similarly, sibutramine was removed from the market due to safety concerns. Ephedra was banned by the FDA due to severe side effects like heart attack, stroke, and seizures.
Regulatory Oversight of Dietary Supplements
It’s important to recognize that over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements are not reviewed or approved by the FDA. The FDA does investigate herbal supplements if they appear to be causing harm. Newer prescription weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound can produce dramatic weight loss results of at least 20%, but come with a initial risk of stomach-related side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach-area pain. Drugs that are considered appetite suppressants and that contain stimulants may common cause insomnia (trouble sleeping), constipation, headache or dry mouth. Lipase inhibitors such as alli or Xenical (orlistat) can cause oily spotting, gas, stomach pain, fecal urgency or incontinence, soft stools, and the possibility of serious liver injury. This is not all the information you need to know about weight loss drugs or their side effects for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Side effects of drugs used for weight loss may vary depending upon the type of drug you take and how the drug works. The latest prescription drugs, like Zepbound, Wegovy and Saxenda are approved for chronic (long-term) weight loss and come as subcutaneous (under the skin) injections. Up to a 20% weight loss or more has been seen with these newer treatments. Prescription weight loss drugs such as phentermine and topiramate (Qsymia), bupropion and naltrexone (Contrave) are used for chronic, long-term weight loss, but only if adequate results occur. Orlistat (alli, Xenical) can be used for longer-term weight loss, including the maintenance of previously lost weight. Weight loss medications should be used alongside a low calorie diet and a doctor-approved exercise plan for best results. Be sure to talk to your doctor for sound advice before starting any weight loss program and understand it will take time and discipline for permanent results. Increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use. Tingling or numbing sensation (paresthesias), dizziness, altered taste, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), constipation, dry mouth. The dose is taken once daily in the morning; avoid an evening dose as it may keep you awake. Prescription weight loss drugs such as phentermine and topiramate (Qsymia), bupropion and naltrexone (Contrave) are used for chronic, long-term weight loss, but only if adequate results occur. Orlistat (alli, Xenical) can be used for longer-term weight loss, including the maintenance of previously lost weight. Weight loss medications should be used alongside a low calorie diet and a doctor-approved exercise plan for best results. Be sure to talk to your doctor for sound advice before starting any weight loss program and understand it will take time and discipline for permanent results. Wegovy is also approved to help protect the heart. Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist first approved in Dec. 2014. It is used in addition to diet and exercise for long-term weight management in adults who are obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with other weight-related medical issues. The Victoza brand of liraglutide contains the same active ingredient as Saxenda but is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Anorexiants are drugs that act in the brain to help lower a person’s appetite. They have an effect on the parts of the brain which help control how full you feel. Anorexiants are used as a treatment for weight loss, along with a regular plan of diet and exercise. Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine and naltrexone is usually given to block the effects of narcotics or alcohol in people with dependence. Contrave side effects can include constipation, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, and upset stomach. Phentermine suppresses the appetite similar to an amphetamine stimulant. Topiramate is used a medication to control seizures. Some forms may cause stomach side effects like constipation, dry mouth, nausea or vomiting. Stimulants are classified as controlled substances. As these medicines are amphetamine-related, drug dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use. Xenical, the prescription form of orlistat, was first FDA-approved in 1999. Xenical was followed by the lower dose, over-the-counter (OTC) orlistat (alli) in 2007. Side effects of orlistat can be unpleasant: oily spotting, gas, stomach pain, fecal urgency or incontinence, soft stools, and the possibility of serious liver injury can occur. Alli (orlistat): over-the-counter (OTC), no prescription required. Weight loss drugs can be associated with important or serious side effects, and some may have the potential for dependence and abuse. In studies with rats and mice, these medicines caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. In November 2024, the FDA updated the warnings for all GLP-1 agonist and GLP-1 / GIP agonist medicines to note that these agents can increase the risk of food or liquid getting into your lungs (called pulmonary aspiration) during procedures or surgery while you are under deep sedation or general anesthesia. This can occur because these medicines can slow down gastric emptying. Amphetamine-derivative, stimulant type weight loss drugs may be associated with constipation, dry mouth, restlessness, withdrawal effects, or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), drug abuse and addiction. Qsymia has restricted access because one of its active ingredients known as topiramate may cause severe birth defects in pregnant women. Do not use Qsymia if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Do not use Contrave with other bupropion-containing products (such as Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin) as it may increase the risk of severe side effects. This is not a complete list of all common or serious side effects. There are other potentially serious side effects. market due to this side effect. Fenfluramine inhibits serotonin reuptake to reduce appetite. market in 2010, also due to an increased risk of serious heart side effects, including heart attack and stroke. At this time, most insurance plans in the US do not cover medications to treat overweight and obesity. Manufacturers may offer copay card assistance, especially with the newer agents like Zepbound or Wegovy, which may help to save you money if you have commercial insurance. If you are interested in losing weight, you may have considered buying an "all-natural" or "herbal" diet weight loss product, also called a weight loss dietary supplement, at the store or from the Internet. Chromium, Green Tea extract, Hoodia, and Guar Gum are some of the herbal dietary supplements available on the market today that claim to help with weight loss. These products may claim to "magically melt" fat away and seem like an easy fix to shed a few pounds. Federal regulators have warned that many of these marketed dietary supplements aren’t effective and may even cause serious side effects. market in October 2010 due to safety concerns. In 2004 the FDA removed dietary products with the stimulant ephedra completely from the market due to severe side effects such as heart attack, stroke and seizures. It’s important to know that over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements are not reviewed or approved by the FDA. The FDA does investigate herbal supplements if they appear to be causing harm. Many examples exist of recalled dietary supplements used for weight loss and other conditions. Newer prescription weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound can produce dramatic weight loss results of at least 20%, but come with a initial risk of stomach-related side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach-area pain. Drugs that are considered appetite suppressants and that contain stimulants may common cause insomnia (trouble sleeping), constipation, headache or dry mouth. Lipase inhibitors such as alli or Xenical (orlistat) can cause oily spotting, gas, stomach pain, fecal urgency or incontinence, soft stools, and the possibility of serious liver injury. This is not all the information you need to know about weight loss drugs or their side effects for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Zepbound (tirzepatide) prescribing information. Oct. 2024. Eli Lilly. Indianapolis, IN. Accessed Nov. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight and Obesity. Yanovski SZ, Yanovski JA. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Long-term drug treatment for obesity: A systematic and clinical review. Food and Drug Administration. Beware of Fraudulent Weight-Loss 'Dietary Supplements'. Accessed Nov. Khera R, Murad MH, Chandar AK, et al. Association of Pharmacological Treatments for Obesity With Weight Loss and Adverse Events. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2016;315(22):2424-2434. Wegovy (semaglutide). Prescribing information. 11/2024. Novo Nordisk. Accessed Nov. Saxenda (liraglutide). Prescribing information. 11/2024. Novo Nordisk. Accessed Nov.
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The Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Weight Management
One class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists is used to treat both obesity and type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 is a hormone that's found in your digestive system. It's released when you eat and tells your body to make insulin to control your blood sugar. It also slows down how quickly your food moves from your stomach to your intestines, and it gives your brain the signal that you feel full. If you don't have enough of this hormone, or if it doesn't work the way it should in your body, a GLP-1 agonist can give your system a boost. The FDA approved the first GLP-1 agonist, exenatide, to treat type 2 diabetes in 2005. Semaglutide also first came to market as a type 2 diabetes treatment under the brand name Ozempic. As Wegovy, it received FDA approval specifically for the treatment of obesity in 2021. Beyond helping you lose weight and keep your blood sugar under control, these drugs have also been shown to improve your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers and lower your heart disease risk. Because GLP-1 agonists lower your blood sugar, you shouldn't take them at the same time as you take insulin or certain other diabetes medications or your blood sugar could drop dangerously low.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist that imitates an intestinal hormone, stimulating insulin production, lowering appetite, and promoting a feeling of fullness. In clinical trials, people taking the highest dose of Wegovy (2.4 milligrams) lost, on average, more than 12% of their body weight over 17 months. Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, constipation, vomiting, gas, headache, and fatigue.
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic, also containing semaglutide, is approved for treating type 2 diabetes but is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management. It is administered as a once-weekly injection. Side effects are similar to those of Wegovy.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Liraglutide is another GLP-1 agonist that mimics an intestinal hormone, signaling the brain that the stomach is full. It is administered as a daily injection. If a patient doesn't lose 4% of their weight after 16 weeks of taking liraglutide, the doctor may advise discontinuation. Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Victoza (Liraglutide)
Victoza, also containing liraglutide, is approved for treating type 2 diabetes, and some people taking it have experienced weight loss. It is administered as a daily injection. Side effects are similar to those of Saxenda.
Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
Dulaglutide is another GLP-1 agonist approved for treating type 2 diabetes, with weight loss observed in some patients. It is administered as a once-weekly injection. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, and fatigue.
Byetta (Exenatide) and Bydureon BCise (Exenatide Extended-Release)
Exenatide is the oldest GLP-1 agonist approved for treating type 2 diabetes. It is not approved for weight management, but some users have experienced weight loss. Byetta is administered as a twice-daily injection, while Bydureon BCise is a once-weekly injection. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, dizziness, and headache.
Dual GLP-1 and GIP Agonists: Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Tirzepatide imitates both GLP-1 and GIP, increasing insulin production and lowering blood glucose levels. It also slows gastric emptying and promotes a feeling of fullness. In clinical trials, people on the highest dose of tirzepatide (15 milligrams) lost on average just over 20% of their body weight over 17 months.
Financial Considerations
At this time, most insurance plans in the US do not cover medications to treat overweight and obesity. Manufacturers may offer copay card assistance, especially with the newer agents like Zepbound or Wegovy, which may help to save you money if you have commercial insurance.