In a world where maintaining a healthy weight is a growing concern, many adults struggle to shed those extra pounds through diet and exercise alone. If you’re facing serious health issues due to your weight and traditional methods haven’t yielded results, prescription weight loss drugs might be a viable option. These medications are specifically prescribed by experts and should complement a healthy lifestyle and weight loss treatments and not replace it.
Who Can Benefit from Prescription Weight Loss Drugs?
Prescription of drugs as weight loss Treatment are generally recommended for individuals who meet certain criteria:
BMI Greater Than 30: If you’re classified as obese (having a Body Mass Index over 30), prescription weight loss drugs might be suggested.
BMI Greater Than 27 with Related Health Issues: If your BMI is over 27 and you suffer from serious medical problems linked to obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may also be a candidate.
It’s important to discuss your medical history and health challenges with your healthcare provider before starting any medication. Prescription weight loss drugs are not suitable for everyone, especially those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Effectiveness of weight loss Drugs
Long-term prescription weight loss drugs can lead to significant weight loss compared to a placebo. Combining these medications with lifestyle changes often results in greater weight loss than lifestyle changes alone. On average, individuals may lose 3% to 12% more of their total body weight over a year with these medications, which can translate to substantial health benefits such as lower blood pressure and improved blood sugar levels.
Considerations and Potential Side Effects
Common side effects of weight loss drugs include nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, which often diminish over time. However, serious side effects can occur, making it crucial to understand the risks and benefits of each medication. Additionally, these drugs can be costly and may not always be covered by insurance.
Many people regain some weight after stopping these medications, so maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is essential to limit weight gain.
Duration of Treatment
The length of time you’ll take a weight loss drug depends on its effectiveness and your body’s response. If you lose enough weight to improve your health without serious side effects, your provider may recommend long-term use. If you don’t see significant weight loss after 3 to 6 months, your provider may switch you to a different medication.
FDA-Approved weight loss Drugs
There are around six weight loss drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use, but only two have been approved in India:
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave): A combination drug that may raise blood pressure; common side effects include nausea, headache, and constipation.
Liraglutide (Saxenda): Also used for diabetes management; common side effects include nausea and vomiting.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): Affects fat absorption; common side effects include gas and loose stools.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): A combination drug with potential side effects including increased heart rate and insomnia.
Semaglutide (Wegovy): Used to control type 2 diabetes; common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.
Setmelanotide (Imcivree): Approved for rare genetic conditions causing obesity; common side effects include skin irritation and nausea.
Each of these drugs works differently, and your doctor will help determine which one is best for you. Currently, India has approved the use of liraglutide and orlistat as medications for weight loss.
Conclusion
Prescription weight loss drugs are not a magic bullet, but they can be an effective tool in your weight loss journey when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you and your healthcare provider decide that medication is right for you, it could be the boost you need to achieve and maintain a healthier weight. Remember, the key to lasting weight loss lies in sustainable lifestyle changes.
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