New Medications in Weight Loss

There is no magic pill when it comes to losing weight. And in some cases, serious weight issues can cause life-threatening or debilitating health problems. Doctors will generally prescribe weight-loss medicine if other forms of weight loss have not worked for you, if you have medical issues from obesity and your body mass index is greater than 27, or if your BMI is over 30. There are some new and effective medicines your doctor may want to prescribe for you.

Meridia and Xenical

• Two of the newer prescription weight loss drugs for long-term use are Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) and Xenical (orlistat). Meridia is an appetite suppressant, and Xenical is a lipase inhibitor that interferes with the body's ability to absorb fat. Although they are for long-term use, they are not to be taken for a lifetime.

Results and Cost

• In conjunction with a healthy diet and increased exercise, these medicines can help people lose weight. The cost of these medications can be steep, ranging from $112 to $380 for a 30-day supply.

Side Effects

• The side effects from Meridia may include dry mouth, constipation, insomnia and elevated blood pressure. Side effects from Xenical may include diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach pain and frequent, oily stools. Xenical breaks down the fat in your digestive system and keeps your body from absorbing it. It is eliminated in the stool.

Over-the-Counter Xenical

• Alli is a reduced-strength version of Xenical, approved for adults 18 and older, that is available over the counter. The same side effects may occur as with the prescription grade of Xenical: diarrhea and gas with oily spotting. These side effects are lessened if you stick to a low-fat diet.

Effectiveness

• It is important to know that the safety and effectiveness of these medicines has not been determined beyond two years. So your doctor should monitor you closely when taking these weight-loss medicines.

  In most cases, people who are prescribed Xenical or Meridia can lose a total of 5 to 22 lbs. within a year, on average. Dosages vary per person, so only your doctor should decide how much you should take and for how long.

Consult Your Doctor

• Whenever considering a weight loss plan that includes medication, you should always seek the advice of your doctor to ensure that your health will not be in jeopardy. Every medicine, even prescription medicines, has side effects that may create long-term health problems for you. In addition, remember to watch your calories, eat a nutritious diet full of fruits and vegetables and get some form of exercise for 30 minutes every day.