Precose for Weight Loss
Precose was originally introduced as a drug used to help control Type 2 diabetes. In 1999 an application for a patent was filed for Precose to be used to help people lose weight. In 2002 this patent was approved.
-
What Is Precose?
-
Precose is classified as a digestive system regulator containing a synthetic organic polymer. The generic name for Precose is acarbose. It is administered as a tablet, wafer or mixed in with food.
Dosages
-
Precose is available in a tablet dose of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. The correct dosage is determined by your doctor depending on the amount of carbohydrates you consume in your diet. It is taken three times a day before meals.
-
Funtion
-
Precose binds with the carbohydrate molecules found in the food you eat. This process helps some of the carbohydrates that you eat pass through your digestive system without your body absorbing them. Since you do not absorb the carbohydrates, you do not absorb the calories from them either. Precose also aids in the fermentation of food in your digestive tract. The fermentation gives you a full feeling that makes you want to eat less. This can lead to weight loss through the reduction of overall calorie intake.
Side Effects
-
Precose side effects can include gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash and edema. Gastrointestinal complaints can increase if carbohydrates are eaten in excess. Diabetics who are taking oral diabetes medications should monitor their blood glucose levels closely when taking Precose because it may interact with their medications and cause a severe drop in blood sugar levels. You should not take Precose if you have irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers of the colon, or other gastric problems as it could aggravate your condition.
Results
-
A study by the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, showed that patients who were given Precose had a reduction of their BMI (Body Mass Index, a measurement of body fat versus total body mass), of 2.7. Taken with a sensible diet and exercise program, Precose can be effective tool for weight loss.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
