weight loss medicines

Weight loss medicines

Eating less or moving more are the basics of losing weight that lasts. For many people, weight loss medicines with prescriptions work best. You must focus on your daily diet. Exercise is a must. It is vital that you take these medications. They are not for all. Medication is a must if you have any condition related to your weight. Such conditions are high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Inform your doctor about your medical history. It includes allergies or other conditions. Tell him about medications or supplements you use. They may be natural or herbal.

How well will weight loss medicines work?

Doctors approve prescription weight loss medicines for long-term use. The combination of weight loss medicines and lifestyle changes is essential. They result in more massive weight loss than only lifestyle changes do.

In a year, that will mean a 3-7% weight loss of total body weight. It is more than what one achieves with only lifestyle changes. 

Yet a sustained 5-10 % weight loss can have vital health benefits. It will lower your blood sugar. It will reduce triglyceride and blood pressure levels.

What you should know about weight loss medicines

Mild side effects occur. Nausea or constipation is common. They may lessen over time. So, it is vital to discuss all available treatment options with a doctor.

Weight-loss drugs can be expensive. Insurance does not pay for it. Ask your insurance company about coverage. Many people gain back some of the weight they lose. It happens when they stop taking weight-loss drugs. Yet, adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help limit weight gain.

Medications approved for weight loss

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved four weight-loss medications. It was for long-term use. 

1. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
2. Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
3. Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
4. Orlistat (Xenical)

Most prescription weight-loss medications reduce appetite. They may increase fullness. Some medicines do both. Orlistat is the exception. It works and interferes with fat absorption.

1. Liraglutide: It manages diabetes. Doctors give it by injection. Nausea is its common side effect. Vomiting may limit its use.
2. Bupropion-naltrexone: It is a combination medication. Bupropion is an antidepressant. It aids in quitting smoking. Naltrexone treats alcohol dependence. It is famous for treating opioid addiction. It is the same as every antidepressant. Bupropion has a warning about suicide risk. The medication may raise blood pressure. Monitoring is crucial at the start of the treatment. Common side effects are headache and constipation. People suffer from nausea.
3. Phentermine-topiramate: It is a combination of two medicines. They are weight-loss medicine and an anticonvulsant. Phentermine comes with the potential to get abused. It is because it acts as an amphetamine. Other possible side effects include a fast heart rate. People have a rise in blood pressure. Constipation, nervousness, and insomnia occur. Topiramate increases all risks of congenital disabilities. You can use Phentermine for weight loss. It has approval for short-term use. Doctors do not prescribe the other drugs in this group.
4. Orlistat: It is available in a decreased strength form. It is without any prescription. It can cause some bothersome gastrointestinal side effects. These are loose stools and flatulence. You must follow a low-fat diet when you take this medication. There are reports of rare cases of severe liver injury with Orlistat. Yet there is no establishment of a cause-and-effect relationship.

How long will weight loss medicine therapy last?

How long an individual will take a weight loss medicine will depend on many things. One of them is if the drug aids you in losing weight. You may lose enough weight to improve your health. You may have no severe side effects. Your doctor may suggest you take medicine. You may not lose even 5 % of your body weight. It may be after three to six months on the complete dosage. So your doctor will change the dosage. He may prescribe some other medication.