Many weight loss pills are available in the market. The best prescription pill for you depends on your weight loss goals, your tolerability to the pill prescribed and your coexisting health conditions, if any.
Are you one of those who cannot shed extra pounds despite diet and exercise? Is your weight causing back pain and joint aches or worse? In these cases, your doctor may recommend a prescription weight loss drug in addition to (and not instead of) proper exercise and a balanced diet.
Many weight loss pills are available in the market. These are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for use more than 12 weeks. The best prescription pill for you depends on your weight loss goals, your tolerability to the pill prescribed and your coexisting health conditions, if any.
The most common weight loss medications tend to be appetite suppressants. Others interfere with the bodys fat absorption. What works for you might not work as well for others. Weight loss drugs can work by following methods.
Four weight loss drugs have been approved by the FDA for long-term use.
These may be used as a single agent or in combination with another medicine to reduce the adverse events or abuse potential. Belviq (lorcaserin) is another weight loss drug. As of February 2021, the FDA has requested the manufacturer to voluntarily withdraw the drug from the US market because of evidence reporting an increased cancer risk in the clinical trial.
How do these pills work?
Drugs that reduce food intake:
Common side effects include a fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, dizziness and restlessness.
Qsymia:
Drugs that alter the metabolism of food
Orlistat:
Gastrointestinal adverse effects of orlistat act similar to negative reinforcement, encouraging those on the medication to adhere to a low-fat diet.
Drugs that increase fullness or satiety
Contrave:
Saxenda:
The best treatment for a patient depends on their weight, health, risk factors and lifestyle. Some people find it difficult to adhere to the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes whereas others simply may not respond to the medication. Everyone using weight loss medication must be assessed by their doctor within six weeks to three months of starting the treatment to determine whether it is working effectively.
Medically Reviewed on 6/2/2021
References
Duke Global Health Institute
US FDA
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What Is the Best Prescription Weight Loss Pill? - MedicineNet
