Weight Loss Drugs 

Quite a bit of controversy surrounds the use of weight loss drugs. There seems to be some benefits for using them but the effectiveness of them (as well as the safety of them) is questionable.  

Prescription weight loss drugs are not for people who want to just lose a few pounds just to look better. They are instead meant for the people who need a jumpstart as far as getting motivated for change.  

Oftentimes these doctor-prescribed medications will help reduce appetite or block fat or burn fat. However, note that they might only be taken for a few weeks or a few months until it is easier for an obese person to make the necessary dieting changes.  

Weight Loss Drug Candidates 

A doctor usually only prescriptions weight loss drugs under certain instances. For instance, these medicines might only be used if other weight loss solutions do not work for a person.  

Another reason that weight loss drugs might be used is if a person has a BMI of 27 or higher with medical complications such as borderline diabetes or diabetes. Persons who are obese and suffer from high blood pressure or sleep apnea might also be considered.  

A person who has a BMI of 30 or higher and/or also suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes might also be a candidate for weight loss drugs. However, a person cannot get by on just using these drugs as it requires diet and lifestyle changes.  

Types of Drugs 

One kind of drug often used is Meridia, otherwise known as sibutramine. It is a medicine that increases the levels of certain brain chemicals in order to reduce appetite.  

Another kind of drug that might help people lose weight is Adipex-P or Ionamin. This is a substance otherwise known as phentermine. It is more approved for short-term use and it is used to help suppress appetite.  

Orlistat is another option for people, and this one also is known as Xenical. It is the first of a new class of drugs known as lipase inhibitors. It other words, it is a fat-blocking drug. 

The drugs above are used by patients not without risk. The ranges of side effects vary, but the main concern is when these drugs are taken for too long they can be habit-forming.  

In any case, you are fair warned that you should talk to your doctor and/or stop using whatever medication you are using if you experience the following side effects: dizziness, nervousness/anxiety, jittery feelings, headache, restlessness, tremors, dry mouth, insomnia, diarrhea, or constipation. In rarer cases you might experience elevated blood pressure, seizures, strokes, and heart damage.