Everything you need to know about prescription weight loss drugs

Weight loss drugs that have been approved by the FDA can be prescribed by a doctor and should be taken in conjunction with lifestyle changes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of weight-loss drugs for both short-term and long-term use.

These drugs, on the other hand, are not intended to be used on their own. To promote healthy weight loss, people should combine them with lifestyle modifications such as good diet and physical activity.

Who should or can take weight-loss medication?

Weight loss medicine must be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare practitioner. When prescribing medication, they will take into account the patient's body mass index (BMI), which is a measurement of weight in relation to height.

According to the National Institutes of Health, people with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while those with a BMI of 30 or more are deemed obese (NIH). Weight loss medicine may be provided to a patient who has health problems as a result of being overweight or obese. To determine whether weight loss medicine is right for a patient, a doctor will consider the benefits of using it, potential side effects, medical history, and other medications they may be taking.

What is the mechanism of action of weight-loss medications?

Some drugs function by helping people feel less hungry or fuller faster. Other drugs may make it more difficult for your body to absorb fat from food. For example, Orlistat (commonly known as Xenical or Alli) is one of the FDA-approved weight-loss medications for long-term usage. Orlistat stops fat cells from being absorbed into the body by binding to them. Weight loss is a result of less fat being stored.

The FDA has approved the following weight loss drugs for long-term use:

Orlistat (Xenical or Alli) – lowers the amount of fat absorbed by the body. This is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and up.

Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate) – this drug works by suppressing your appetite so you feel less hungry and full sooner.

Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) – this drug may make you feel less hungry or full more quickly.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) is an injectable drug that makes you feel fuller and less hungry faster.

Phentermine, Benzphetamine, Diethylpropion, and Phendimetrazine are some of the other drugs that are allowed for short-term usage (12 weeks or less).

Remember that weight-loss drugs should always be used in conjunction with healthy food and physical activity. Physical Guidelines for Americans, published by the Department of Health and Human Services, encourage receiving at least 150 minutes of exercise every day, which can take several forms and be spread out over the week.

What is the average length of time that patients use weight-loss medications?

It is up to the individual how long they must take weight loss drugs. After all, some medications aren't meant to be taken for more than 12 weeks. A doctor will evaluate weight loss progress to determine whether or not medication should be continued. For example, if a person does not lose at least 5% of their starting weight after several weeks on a medicine, a doctor may advise them to stop taking it or switch to another.

The first 3 to 6 months of utilizing medicine result in the maximum weight loss, after which weight loss plateaus.

If a weight reduction medicine — and a lifestyle program — appears to be working with minimal adverse effects, some people may continue to use it continuously.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of weight-loss medication?

Weight reduction drugs, when combined with lifestyle changes, can help patients lose up to 10% of their starting weight. Small weight reduction improvements, such as decreased blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels, can have health benefits. Obesity-related health issues such as sleep apnea and joint discomfort can be alleviated by losing weight.

While weight reduction drugs are generally safe, they can cause moderate side effects such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea in some people. The majority of negative effects will fade over time, and serious side effects are uncommon.

FDA-approved drugs are generally safe to use. Following the doctor's recommendations, purchasing medication from an authorized seller such as a pharmacy, and following the prescription's instructions are all vital.

People can also work with a certified dietitian to develop a balanced eating and weight-loss plan that is not based on medication.