Prescription Weight Loss PillsWhen obese people are unable to lose weight using diet and exercise, medications may be prescribed to achieve a healthier weight.
Researchers have learned how genes influence the many systems that control weight. Weight loss drugs can temporarily manipulate these systems and thereby they can have a role to play in medical treatment of obesity. It appears that obesity, like other chronic conditions, is often easier to manage with judicious, long-term medication use.
But weight loss drugs are not for everyone. They are not for the mildly overweight or those who just want to lose a few pounds to improve their appearance. These drugs are prescribed only for those with:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above.
- A BMI of 27 and above with an obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes.
You will need a prescription from the doctor for most weight loss drugs. There are some over-the-counter weight loss drugs that do not need a prescription.
The most important benefit of prescription weight loss medications is control of special organizations such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration), FDC (Federal Trade Commission), EMEA (European Medicines Agency).
FDA, FDC, EMEA are monitoring constantly side effects and regulating spreading of weight loss medications, providing customers with necessary information on weight loss products.
Most available weight loss medications are appetite-suppressant medications: Reductil, Meridia, Phentermine, Regenon , Tenuate, Antiadipositum. They promote weight loss by decreasing appetite or increasing the feeling of being full.
Orlistat (marketed under the trade name Xenical by Roche) is the first drug in a new class of non-systemically acting anti-obesity drugs known as lipase inhibitors.
The over-the-counter version of Orlistat approved by FDA is sold under the brand name Alli .
Rimonabant, a new weight loss drug, is marketed in Europe by the name Acomplia and the same drug will be sold in United States by the name of Zimulti if approved by the FDA. This wonder pill selectively blocks some receptors in the Endocannabinoid system, thus creating a better balance which in turn suppresses appetite and the longing to overeat.
It's also important to keep in mind that weight loss medications work best when combined with a weight-control program that helps you improve your eating and physical activity habits.
People respond differently to weight loss medications, and some people experience more weight loss than others.
Studies have found that weight loss with some medications improves blood pressure, blood cholesterol, triglycerides (fats), and insulin resistance.
New research suggests that long-term use of weight loss medications may help individuals keep off the weight they have lost.
|
