Finally, A Healthy Way To Lose Weight With Medication

 

Losing weight is hard work. If you feel like you've tried everything to slim down with no success, prescription medication for weight loss could give your healthy lifestyle the boost it needs.

When combined with improved eating habits and regular activity, weight loss drugs help people lose 5-10% more weight compared to lifestyle changes alone.

This article will explore how prescription medications promote weight loss, their safety profile, and if you might benefit from pharmacological support to successfully reach your ideal weight.

How do Prescription Weight Loss Medications Work?

Prescription medications for losing weight typically work in one of two ways:

1. Suppressing appetite - Makes you feel fuller faster, control cravings and eat less food

2. Blocking fat absorption - Prevent calories from being stored as fat and reduce the number of calories the body absorbs

Drug Name	Active Ingredient	How It Works
Xenical/Alli	Orlistat	Blocks about 25% of dietary fat from being absorbed in GI tract
Contrave	Naltrexone + bupropion	Suppresses appetite and food cravings by targeting reward pathways in the brain
Qsymia	Phentermine + topiramate	Decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness

Research shows prescription medications produce 6-10% more weight loss over 6-12 months compared to placebo groups relying on lifestyle interventions alone.

While each drug has a different mechanism of action, all aim to tip the "calories in vs. calories out" equation to favor weight loss.

Types of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

There are currently 8 FDA-approved prescription weight loss drugs available:

● Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) - lipase inhibitor that reduces intestinal fat absorption by about 25%

● Locaserin (Belviq) - appetite suppressant that activates serotonin receptors

● Naltrexone + bupropion (Contrave) - combination drug that suppresses appetite by targeting the brain's reward pathways

● Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) - GLP-1 agonist that regulates appetite and reduces calorie intake

● Phentermine + topiramate (Qsymia) - appetite suppressant combo that makes you feel fuller sooner

● Benfluorex (Mediator) - increases insulin sensitivity and reduces appetite

● Bupropion + naltrexone (Mysimba) - suppresses appetite by altering brain chemistry

● Phentermine (various brand names) - stimulant and appetite suppressant related to amphetamines

These medications are prescription-only and work best when paired with improved diet, increased activity, and behavioral counseling. Most are intended for short-term use of 6-12 months.

Are Weight Loss Medications Safe?

Prescription weight loss drugs have been tested extensively and found to be relatively safe when used correctly under medical supervision.

Side effects vary but may include:

● Digestive issues - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

● Dry mouth

● Headache

● Insomnia

● Elevated heart rate

Safety precautions differ between drugs but often include:

● Not using if pregnant or breastfeeding

● Avoiding in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, seizures or anorexia

● Stopping use if severe side effects occur

Like any medication, prescription weight loss pills carry some risks that must be balanced against potential benefits. But clinical trials generally show modest side effects that go away quickly once treatment stops.

When combined with healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medications provide safe and effective support to help you finally reach your weight loss goals.

Who Might Benefit From Weight Loss Medications?

Prescription drugs provide extra assistance for weight loss, but they aren't magic bullets. You still need dedication to lifestyle changes.

Weight loss medications may be an option if you:

● Struggle to lose weight through diet/exercise alone

● Are considered obese or overweight with risk factors like diabetes or heart disease

● Haven't been able to reach or maintain goal weight with past attempts

● Are motivated to make lifestyle changes but need an extra boost

Talk to your doctor to see if adding prescription meds to your regimen could help. They can review your medical history, explain possible side effects/precautions and help determine if it's the right choice for you.

With effort and consistency, weight loss prescription drugs combined with healthy habits offer hope for hitting goals that once seemed out of reach. The key is finding an effective plan tailored to your unique needs.