Prescription Weight Loss Drugs to Treat Overweight & Obesity

11/08/2023

 

Understanding Overweight & Obesity

Obesity seems to be a simple term; instead, it is a complex disease that involves excessive body fat. It is a medical condition, not just some cosmetic concern. It also increases the risk of people developing other health issues like high cholesterol, sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and even certain types of cancers.

Pros & Cons Of Weight Loss Medications

Pros:

• It is beneficial when taken along with regular exercise and dietary changes.

• The Food and Drugs Administration has approved weight loss medications for managing weight.

• Available on reputed online pharmacies at affordable prices.

• It helps with decreasing the risk of other health conditions like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Cons:

• Doctors do not recommend weight loss pills to everyone.

• It may cause some common and some severe side effects.

• Some weight loss drugs are very expensive and not fully covered by insurance.

Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

Orlistat (Xenical)

Orlistat is a weight loss drug, and it is available over the counter as Alli and via prescription as Xenical. It functions by blocking the activity of particular enzymes that break down fat particles in the digestive tract. This process helps in reducing the absorption of calories in your body. People who have been taking this medicine have experienced a noticeable change in their weight. They were able to see a reduction in their BMI, total cholesterol levels, LDL levels, and belly fat.

Side Effects:

• Digestive issues such as oily or loose stool.

• Gas issue.

• Nutrient deficiency.

• Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (Vitamin A, D, E, or K).

• Frequent bowel movements.

Contraindications:

• Liver disease such as Cholestasis.

• Chronic malabsorption.

• Not advisable if you are pregnant.

• Current and ongoing medications.

• Renal impairment.

Semaglutide (Wegovy & Rybelsus)

Semaglutide in the brand Wegovy is available as an injection form and is used to treat weight loss. Semaglutide, in the brand Rybelsus, is used to treat blood sugar. There are several weight loss programs that prescribe semaglutide if you meet the criterion of Obesity or any other major health issue. Its work is to slowly empty the stomach and increase the feeling of fullness. Further, it reduces the secretion of a hormone called glucagon, which helps in regulating appetite. GLP-1 agonist like semaglutide has been proven beneficial and effective for weight management.

Side Effects:

Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Indigestion

• Headaches

• Infections

• Dizziness

• Increased heart rate

Serious side effects include:

• Kidney problems

• Gallbladder disease

• Suicidal ideation

• Thyroid C-cell tumors

• Low blood sugar levels

Contraindications:

• Current and ongoing medications

• Not recommended if you have MEN syndrome type 2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia)

• Doctors do not suggest this medication if you have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.

• Not advisable if you are pregnant.

Appetite Suppressants

These suppressant medications work by reducing the appetite. They alter the levels of some particular neurotransmitters in our brain, which leads to weight loss. It should be kept in mind that these medicines can only be taken for short-term use as, after a few weeks, you build up a tolerance that results in decreasing the medication's effectiveness.

Side Effects:

Common side effects include:

• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea 

Serious side effects include:

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling of lower extremities

• Chest pain

Contraindications:

• Certain prescription medications

• Not suitable if you have heart disease, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension.

• Not advisable if you are pregnant.

• Doctors do not recommend the medication if you have severe glaucoma and diabetes.

Dietary Supplements

While there are many prescription weight loss drugs available, there are also several dietary supplements, including herbs and stimulants, that have been suggested to be helpful for weight loss. Some of the most effective and safe options are as follows:

• Green tea extract: Green tea extract consists of EGCG, an antioxidant that aids in burning fat, and when taken along with exercise, it increases the fat-burning process and causes fat loss in the belly area.

• Caffeine: Intake of caffeine increases energy expenditure or the rate at which calories are burned at rest.

• Green coffee bean extract: The coffee beans that still need to be roasted have two things, i.e., caffeine and chlorogenic acid. They are believed to help in the weight loss process. Many studies have also suggested that this extract is efficacious in the journey of weight loss.

Conclusion

Obesity can have a significant impact on one's quality of life. It can limit physical activities that were once enjoyable, cause avoidance of public places, and even lead to discrimination. So, If you are curious about whether the weight loss drugs can work for you, it is recommended you seek out a healthcare provider specializing in Obesity. It has been suggested to find a healthcare provider who has received specialty training in dealing with Obesity. These providers can give you a better understanding of the many options available to treat Obesity without judgment. If lifestyle changes have yet to help you reach a healthy weight, weight loss medications may be the answer. It's worthwhile to explore what's possible, and it's never too late to start feeling good. Just make sure never to buy cheap weight loss drugs and always get your medications from a reputed online pharmacy at great discounts.