Medications for Weight Loss

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Medications for Weight Loss -

What You Need to Know!

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you decide if certain medications for weight loss are right for you.

Who Should Take Weight Loss Medication?

Medications for weight loss are recommended for certain patients. Typically, a doctor will consider prescription weight loss medication if you have the following conditions:

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or greater

Your BMI is 27 or greater and you are experiencing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high levels of fat in your blood known as dyslipidemia.

Will I lose my weight on the medications alone?

While these medications are known to help you reach your weight loss goal, you will also need to reduce your calories and increase your activity to be successful.

Types of Medications Approved by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for Weight Loss

Currently there are two FDA approved medications for weight loss. These medications fall into the following categories:

Appetite suppressants - These decrease your appetite or increase your feeling of fullness

Lipase inhibitors - These block the enzyme lipase which is responsible for breaking down dietary fat. When dietary fat is not broken down, fewer calories are used by the body because the fat is eliminated.

Are there other medications used for weight loss?

Yes, there are other medications used for weight loss. However, these medications are currently not FDA approved specifically for weight loss.

Instead, patients have found short term weight loss from using these “off label” medications short term. The categories for the off label medications include anti-seizure, diabetic and anti-depressant medications.

Be extra careful with these. Some pills can be very unsafe!

Medications Used for Weight Loss

Here is a table that includes all prescription weight loss medication currently on the market:

Market Name	Generic Name	Food and Drug Administration Approval for Weight Loss	Drug Type	Common Side Effects
Meridia	Sibutramine	Yes;long term (up to 1 year) for adults	Appetite Suppressant	Increased blood pressure and heart rate
AdipexP, Lonamin	Phentermine	Yes; short term(up to 12 weeks) for adults	Appetite Suppressant	Increased blood pressure and heartrate, sleeplessness, nervousness
Tenuate	Diethylpropion	Yes;short term (up to 12weeks) for adults	Appetite Suppressant	Dizziness, headache, sleeplessness, nervousness
Bontril	Phendimetrazine	Yes; short term(up to 12 weeks) for adults	Appetite Suppressant	Sleeplessness, nervousness
Xenical (prescription), Alli(over the counter)	Orlistat	Yes; long term (up to 1 year) for adults and children age 12 and older (by prescription only for children)	Lipase Inhibitor	Gastro-intestinal issues(cramping, diarrhea, oily spotting)
Wellbutrin, Zyban	Bupropion	No	Depression Treatment	Drymouth, insomnia
Topamax	Topiramate	No	Seizure Treatment	Numbness of skin, change in taste
Zonagran	Zonisamide	No	Seizure Treatment	Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, nausea
Glucophage, Riomet, Fortamet, Glumetza, Obimet, Dianben, Diabex, Diaformin	Metformin	No	Diabetes Treatment	Weakness, dizziness, metallic taste, nausea

What side effects are there with medications for weight loss?

Side effects vary with each medication and range from mild to extreme.

The range of side effects include high blood pressure, increased heart rate, sleeplessness, nervousness, stomach cramps, nausea, weakness, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth and a metallic taste.

How long can I use medications for weight loss?

Doctors usually prescribe these medications for short terms such as a few weeks. Two medications, Sibutramine and Orlistat, are approved for longer use. No medication for weight loss is approved for use beyond 2 years.

Do the medications for weight loss stop working after a while?

Yes. In studies, many patients noticed their weight loss to level off after 6 months on the medication leading doctors to think the patient built a tolerance to the drug making it ineffective.

Can I become dependent on weight loss medications?

Because most medications for weight loss, except Orlistat, are controlled substances, doctors must follow certain restrictions when prescribing them.

Abuse and dependence are not common with nonamphetamine appetite-suppressant drugs. However, doctors are cautious when prescribing these medications for patients with alcohol or drug abuse histories.

Will I regain my weight once I stop the medication?

Most people regain their weight once they stop using the drug. Maintaining healthy eating and physical activity may help you regain less weight or keep it off.

Are medications for weight loss safe for children?

Weight loss drugs may be prescribed for children over the age of 16. Prescription Orlistat is currently approved for children 12 and over.

Will my insurance company pay for medications for weight loss?

Currently medications for weight loss are not covered by insurance companies.

How much do medications for weight loss cost?

A 30 day supply of weight loss drugs can range from $60 to $120.

Whether you decide to use medications for weight loss, beginning the journey to become obesity free forever is an important step in improving your overall healthy and energy.

By learning and applying the facts on obesity, I lost over 140 pounds in 2005 and kept it off. If I can do it, you can too!

Resource: Weight-Control Information Network

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Disclaimer:The contents of this website are basedupon the opinion and experience of Georgene Dana Collins, unless otherwise noted. The information in this website is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. Check with your doctor before making changes to your health.

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