Q: I want to lose weight quickly as I am getting married in a month's time. I am told that taking laxatives and water pills help.

A:There is no quick fix for weight loss. Laxatives increase intestinal motility so that food is pushed out of the body rapidly. This does not allow completion of the natural process of digestion and absorption, and has a negative impact on health. Water pills are diuretics and make you lose water, but the fat remains intact. This means the weight will return. The use of water pills can result in dangerous electrolyte imbalances. There is only one mantra for weight loss, reduced intake of food and increased exercise.
 

Belly fat

Q: My body looks fine except for my stomach, which sticks out. I want to lose it.

A: Repeated crunches and other exercises to spot reduce fat from a target area can help strengthen muscles in that area. When combined with core strengthening exercises like the "plank", this can help develop a more erect and better posture. The layer of fat there will remain intact unless you lose weight.

Arthritis

Q: I have rheumatoid arthritis. Medications have kept the pain under control, but I am tired all the time.

A: You need to "spend energy to make energy." Try mild exercises like walking for 40 minutes a day in the fresh air and sunshine. Also, check with your doctor if any of the medicines is making you drowsy.

Contraception

Q: I want to delay the birth of my first child by two years. What should I do?

A: You could take low-strength oral contraceptive pills, with your doctor's concurrence. That way you can remain tension free as you will menstruate regularly. The progesterone only pills and progesterone injections can cause irregular cycles, leading to fears of an unwanted pregnancy. Your partner could use condoms regularly. An intra uterine contraceptive device could be inserted and left in place for two or three years. This method is more suitable for women who have already had a child. The "morning after" pill should not be used as a substitute for regular contraception.

Headache

Q: I get sudden headaches which last two to three days and my left eye turns red. The diagnosis was "cluster headache".

A: The pain is due to malfunction of the Trigeminal nerve. Along with medication, you could try rebreathing expired air using a paper bag. Also apply an ice pack to the base of the neck and shoulders.

The writer is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore and author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. If you have any questions on health issues, please write to yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in