Medications for Weight Loss Part 1: Should I Take Them?

Are weight loss medications appropriate for me?

Prescription weight loss medications may be appropriate if your weight poses a risk to your health.

The guidelines for using these medications recommend that they are considered in patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of >27 in the presence of weight-related health issues, or >30 without health issues. Weight loss medications are not required for successful treatment of obesity, but they can be a useful adjunct to diet, exercise, and lifestyle change.

What about homeopathic diet aids?

Honestly, the vast majority of these products are useless, and some of them are dangerous. These products are largely untested, unproven, with unknown side effects and drug interactions. If the label has a warning that: ‘this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease,’ you should believe that it is true. You should never mix homeopathic weight loss remedies with prescription weight loss drugs, ever.

What should I expect from weight loss medications?

In clinical trials, the prescription weight loss medications currently on the market produced an average loss of 5-8% more than placebo. It is completely reasonable to attempt to lose weight without the assistance of medication. No medication will produce a substantial change in weight without lifestyle change. One day, there will be weight loss medications which will cause substantial weight loss without lifestyle change. Today is not that day.

What weight loss medicine should I take?

Unfortunately, I can’t fit detailed information about all potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications for every weight loss drug into a document the size of this blog. Please ask your health care provider for advice and detailed information if you’re considering a weight loss medication.