Viagra is one of the most popularly prescribed drugs in the world. It is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, which is a compound that improves blood flow to the penis, making it easier for the user to achieve an erection. The drug was originally designed to treat male erectile dysfunction, but it’s popularity as a weight loss medication has made it a household name.
Viagra is most commonly prescribed for men who want to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual activity. However, women who take the drug report that it improves their mood, too. Some men have even said that they believe Viagra helps them maintain a longer erection, which would mean that it’s not just about getting the drug for impotence anymore. The controversy surrounding the effectiveness of Viagra as a weight loss drug has been raging for years, and while it may not be proven that the drug triggers weight loss, it definitely doesn’t hurt.
How Does It Work?
As a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Viagra keeps the body’s natural chemicals—primarily cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP)—from being broken down by enzymes, which in turn prevents the body from shrinking. When these chemicals aren’t broken down, they stay activated, which leads to the inhibition of lipases, which are enzymes that break down fat. This makes it easier for the body to retain weight.
The Evidence
The research on Viagra as a weight loss drug is very limited, but what studies there are show it to be somewhat effective. The available evidence is most significant when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program. In one study, 20 obese men were given either 100 mg of sildenafil or placebo twice daily for 14 days. At the end of the trial, those who were on sildenafil had experienced a significant decrease in their waist circumference, as well as an improvement in their blood pressure and lipid profile.
In an attempt to find the best dose for weight loss, a team in South Korea divided 64 obese men into four groups and gave them placebo or sildenafil at 50, 100, or 200 mg taken once daily for 14 days. The researchers found that 100 mg taken once daily was the most effective dose for weight loss, with statistically significant results achieved at four weeks. The drug had no noticeable effect at lower doses, but it did at higher ones.
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, so neither the participants nor the researchers knew which drug the participants were given until the trial ended. The only thing the participants knew was that they were taking either a placebo or a drug, which might explain why the obese men in the study didn’t lose any weight regardless of whether they took the drug or not. Because the drugs are associated with a pill burden, many people, including those who are already taking other medications, decide that they aren’t worth the additional effort of taking them, even if they are proven to be somewhat effective as a weight loss pill. Some experts believe that Viagra, as a class of medications, is most effective when used in combination with other diet and lifestyle changes. Given its popularity as a weight loss medication and the encouraging results seen in some studies, it’s clear that there’s a desperate need for further research into its potential as a weight loss drug.
The Risks
When used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program, Viagra is generally considered to be safe. However, it’s not without risks. One of the most significant risks is that it can cause leg swelling in some people. This typically occurs within the first hour after taking the pill and it can be particularly bothersome for people with diabetes, who may already have impaired circulation in their legs. Other side effects include headache, stomach pain, facial flushing, and stuffy nose. These are all medications that can cause irritation, so using them together is asking for trouble. It’s also important to keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as elevated blood pressure and cholesterol are independent risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Many people worry that taking Viagra will cause them to have an erection that lasts longer than four hours, which could put them at risk for priapism. This is something that needs to be discussed with your doctor before you start taking the drug, especially if you have any history of penile problems or are taking any other medication. The potential side effects of Viagra are so significant that it’s probably not fair to compare it to other weight loss drugs, which are far more studied and known to be safe.
There are also some precautions that need to be taken, regardless of whether you’re using Viagra for erectile dysfunction or for weight loss. For instance, people who are allergic to sildenafil or other ingredients in the drug should not take it. As it is a medication that increases blood flow to the penis, it should not be taken by people who are taking blood thinners or medications that affect the blood. Those who are taking medications for heart disease should speak with their doctor about the potential for interactions. Using alcohol while on the drug can also lead to serious side effects, including liver problems and memory issues. The key thing is to be sure that you’re not putting yourself at risk for any complications by taking this medication, which is why it’s not fair to compare it to other weight loss drugs, which have been clinically tested and proven to be safe.
The Bottom Line
Based on the available evidence, it would seem that Viagra is a safer option than many other weight loss drugs. However, it’s still not yet been fully proven that the drug causes weight loss. It’s also important to remember that many of the available studies are very small and not all that reliable. That being said, there’s a lot to suggest that Viagra is effective for weight loss. It’s a popular choice among people who want to lose weight, especially since it’s associated with fewer side effects than many other medication options. Whether or not you’ll be able to lose weight with Viagra depends on what medications you’re already taking. If you’re already on blood thinners for heart disease, then you should not take the medication without first talking to your doctor. Similarly, if you’re taking other medications to lose weight, then you need to be sure that their interactions with Viagra will be good for your health. In any case, the evidence is promising, but it’s still not enough for people to just go on a medication to lose weight, without trying other options as well.