Pharmacological Treatment of Obesity

Many people struggle with losing weight and dieting. If you have ever tried to drop a few pounds, you know just how difficult it can be. While a combination of a healthy, low-calorie diet and exercise is always the ideal way to lose weight, some people may need an extra bit of help. The development of new medications has provided tools to doctors and patients to make weight loss a bit easier.

• Obesity can have many health dangers.

Eligibility

• Medications prescribed for weight loss are not available to just anyone. If you are trying to lose a few extra pounds to look better, this is not the right option. Most doctors will only prescribe medication if the patient is considered to be clinically obese. This is determined by taking a measure of body fat in relation to height, called the body mass index (BMI). Anyone with a BMI over 30 is considered obese. Doctors may consider people with a lower BMI who have any kind of disease related to their weight. Obesity-related diseases, called comorbidities, include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other illnesses.

Benefits

• Though not for everyone, medications that aid in weight loss can have a great benefit on the patient's health. Weight loss medications do not produce the same dramatic effects that weight loss surgeries do. Most patients only lose around 10 pounds in the first six months, then start to plateau. But even a small weight loss can have a great benefit to the health of an obese person. Diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease can be decreased even with a small loss. And even a small loss can motivate the patient to lose more weight on their own.

Risks

• Like all medications, weight loss drugs have risks and side effects. The specific risks depend on the medication being used. Your doctor can help you find a medication that will provide the most benefits with the least side effects for you. Some of the more common side effects include gastrointestinal problems like cramping, diarrhea and oily stool. Some medications can increase blood pressure or cause nervousness or sleepiness.

Weight-Loss Medications

• The FDA only approves a select few medications specifically for weight loss. Appetite suppressant medications include sibutramine, phentermine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine. These work by making you feel less hungry throughout the day and curbing cravings. Another medication, called a lipase inhibitor, is also approved for weight loss and limits the amount of fat from food that is absorbed into the body. This medication has recently been approved for over-the-counter purchase and goes by the brand name Alli.

Other Medications

• Many doctors prescribe medications for weight loss that are not approved for that purpose by the FDA. This doesn't mean they're dangerous. Usually, they are approved to treat some other condition, but doctors have noticed they can also be effective at treating obesity. These include seizure medications, antidepressants and diabetes medication. All have been shown to decrease appetite and aid in weight loss for some patients.