Lipitor is an excellent medicine for treating hypercholesterolemia. The chances of weight gain caused by this drug are discussed in this article.

Increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can occur commonly in people above 45 years of age. It is necessary to manage this disorder with effective cholesterol lowering drugs such as Lipitor. Lipitor is the preferred drug for the treatment of high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia suffer from a high risk of developing several cardiac and vascular disorders like congestive cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and hypertension. The incidence of cerebrovascular stroke is also high in patients who are suffering from high levels of cholesterol. Use of Lipitor can help in reducing the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and also prevents the complications occurring due to this.

However, in spite of being a highly effective and powerful medicine for treating hypercholesterolemia, the use of Lipitor is often associated with some disturbing side effects. The relationship between Lipitor and weight gain may influence the decision of a patient to use this drug. Wrong notions associated with this drug may deter many patients from taking advantage of it. Patients should note that it has been proved that only less than 2 percent of people using Lipitor experience weight gain. Also, they should understand that there is no evidence that can prove that the patients who may have experienced weight gain after taking Lipitor, have gained it because of this drug only. They may have gained weight due to any factor other than Lipitor. It is difficult to attribute weight gain in such individuals to the drug alone. They should carefully analyze the benefits they can derive from utilizing this medicine against the possibility of putting on weight.

Advantages of using Lipitor

• This drug can help in reducing the LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in the blood.

• It also helps in controlling high levels of other fat substances such as triglycerides and apolipoprotein B.

• It is an effective medication for the management of other disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia, mixed hyperlipidemia or primary hypercholesterolemia.

• This medicine helps in reducing the risk of experiencing the complications of hypercholesterolemia, including stroke, angina and heart attacks. The need of undergoing complex revascularization procedures for treating cardiac disorders is also reduced, in people who make use of Lipitor.

Precautions while using Lipitor

Although this medicine may increase weight in some patients, the weight gain can be prevented by following some simple tips mentioned beneath:

• Low-cholesterol food: The diet of the patient should comprise of fresh vegetables, low-fat milk, fruits and grains. They should also eat an increased amount of fish, nuts, eggs, beans, poultry and lean meat. These food items can help in avoiding any increase in weight that may occur following use of Lipitor. People should avoid consuming food containing transfats and saturated fats. Food items containing high amounts of salt and carbohydrates should also be avoided.

• Regular physical exercise for atleast 30-40 minutes per day

• Reduced alcohol intake

Following these tips can help people in obtaining the greatest possible benefits from Lipitor without having any fear of putting on excess weight.