Prescription medications can be an effective option for individuals struggling with overweight and obesity, particularly when combined with lifestyle changes.
At Health Express Clinics in Lewisville, TX, we offer guidance on prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity, helping patients make informed choices for their weight loss journey.
These medications, alongside diet and exercise, can provide additional support for those who have not achieved the desired results through lifestyle changes alone.
Understanding Prescription Medications for Weight Loss
- Targeted Approach: Prescription weight-loss medications target specific factors like appetite, metabolism, and fat absorption, supporting gradual and sustainable weight loss.
- Eligibility: These medications are typically prescribed to individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above or those with a BMI of 27 and a weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Supervision: Prescription weight-loss medications require careful monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure safety and efficacy, especially as they interact with other health conditions and medications.
Common Prescription Medications for Overweight & Obesity
1. Phentermine
- How It Works: Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that works by stimulating the release of brain chemicals to reduce hunger, helping to control food intake.
- Usage: Phentermine is approved for short-term use, usually up to 12 weeks, and is often prescribed alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
- Side Effects: Possible side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Phentermine is not suitable for individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, or glaucoma.
2. Orlistat (Xenical)
- How It Works: Orlistat works by reducing the absorption of dietary fat, leading to a decrease in calorie intake.
- Usage: This medication is taken with meals and is approved for long-term use. It is also available over-the-counter in a lower-dose form (Alli).
- Side Effects: Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as gas, oily stools, and diarrhea. To avoid these, patients are advised to follow a low-fat diet while using Orlistat.
3. Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- How It Works: This combination medication includes phentermine, an appetite suppressant, and topiramate, which is used for epilepsy but also aids in weight loss by increasing satiety.
- Usage: Qsymia is approved for long-term use and is often prescribed to patients with a significant amount of weight to lose.
- Side Effects: Potential side effects include tingling in the hands and feet, dizziness, taste alterations, insomnia, and dry mouth. Qsymia is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with certain mental health conditions.
4. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- How It Works: Liraglutide is an injectable medication that mimics a hormone regulating appetite, helping patients feel full sooner and reducing caloric intake.
- Usage: Approved for long-term use, liraglutide requires a daily injection and is also used to manage type 2 diabetes (in a different dose known as Victoza).
- Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and low blood sugar. Due to its cost and administration method, liraglutide is generally prescribed when other treatments are ineffective.
5. Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
- How It Works: This combination medication includes naltrexone, used for addiction treatment, and bupropion, an antidepressant. Together, they reduce appetite and cravings.
- Usage: Contrave is approved for long-term use and is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with emotional or stress eating.
- Side Effects: Side effects may include nausea, headache, constipation, and insomnia. It is not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure or seizure disorders.
Who Might Benefit from Prescription Weight-Loss Medications?
1. Patients with a High BMI
- BMI Criteria: Prescription weight-loss medications are generally prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with associated health conditions.
- Higher Risk Patients: Individuals at increased risk for obesity-related health issues, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea, may benefit from prescription weight-loss medications under medical supervision.
2. Patients Facing Health Risks Due to Weight
- Managing Chronic Conditions: Patients with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or joint issues due to excess weight may find weight-loss medications beneficial for managing these risks.
- Preventative Approach: Medications can help reduce the likelihood of complications associated with obesity, offering a proactive approach to health management.
3. Individuals Who Struggle with Traditional Weight-Loss Methods
- Plateaus in Weight Loss: Those who have tried diet and exercise alone and faced weight loss plateaus may find prescription medications helpful in achieving their goals.
- Emotional and Stress Eating: For individuals struggling with emotional eating or cravings, medications like Contrave may provide valuable support.
Important Considerations and Potential Side Effects
1. Side Effects of Weight-Loss Medications
- Common Side Effects: These medications often have side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, increased heart rate, and sleep disturbances.
- Monitoring: Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to manage and mitigate any side effects that arise.
2. Interactions with Other Medications
- Medication Review: It is crucial to review all medications and supplements with a healthcare provider to avoid adverse interactions.
- Regular Check-Ins: Routine check-ups are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and ensure safe use.
3. Lifestyle Modifications are Essential
- Diet and Exercise: Prescription medications are not a replacement for lifestyle changes. They work best in conjunction with a balanced diet, physical activity, and behavior modifications.
- Long-Term Commitment: Patients must commit to ongoing healthy habits to maintain weight loss even after discontinuing the medication.
H2 Header: Consulting Health Express Clinics in Lewisville, TX, for Weight-Loss Support
- Personalized Care: At Health Express Clinics, we provide personalized weight management plans, including guidance on prescription medications for those who qualify.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Our team offers ongoing monitoring and support to ensure safe and effective weight loss, focusing on long-term health.
- Holistic Approach: We incorporate lifestyle modifications, behavioral support, and medical interventions to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss.
Prescription medications can be a helpful tool in the journey to overcome overweight and obesity, particularly for individuals who have not achieved results with lifestyle changes alone. These medications should be used with professional guidance and combined with healthy habits for the best outcomes. At Health Express Clinics in Lewisville, TX, we are here to support patients with comprehensive weight-loss strategies, including medication options, lifestyle guidance, and ongoing care to promote lasting health.
Focus on preventative care, weight loss management, and personalized treatment, Health Express Clinics is the ideal choice for families seeking a trusted primary care provider.
Visit Health Express Clinics – Weight Loss Treatments for more details.