Anti-obesity medication or weight loss medications are pharmacological agents that reduce or control weight. These medications alter one of the fundamental processes of the human body, weight regulation, by altering either appetite, or absorption of calories.
Weight Loss . is a billion-dollar business and has always been the most searched topic on the internet. In this advanced age of technology where everything is readily available, there is a less opportunity for our body to lose extra pounds. Gaining weight is not as simple as being unhealthy. It lessens one’s confidence and self-esteem. The sad part is, not all diet plans are effective as it takes effort, patience and budget before you see a result. Exercise is a good alternative, but not everybody has the time and discipline to work out at home or at the gym.
Eating less and moving more are the basics of weight loss that lasts. For some people, prescription weight loss drugs may help.
You’ll still need to focus on diet and exercise while taking these drugs, and they’re not for everyone.
Doctors usually prescribe them only if your BMI is 30 or higher, or if it’s at least 27 and you have a condition that may be related to your weight, like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
The medication semaglutide (Wegovy) received FDA approval for treatment of obesity in 2021. More common prescription weight loss drugs which have been in use longer include: liraglutide (Saxenda), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), orlistat (Alli, Xenical), phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin, Pro-Fast), and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia).
Before you get a weight loss drug prescription, tell your doctor about your medical history. That includes any allergies or other conditions you have; medicines or supplements you take (even if they’re herbal or natural); and whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant soon.