Obesity: Should I Take Weight-Loss Medicine?
Obesity: Should I Take Weight-Loss Medicine?Skip to the navigationYou may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Obesity: Should I Take Weight-Loss Medicine?Get the factsYour options- Take weight-loss
medicine, along with trying to eat healthy foods and being active.
- Try to lose weight without weight-loss medicines by eating healthy foods and being active.
Key points to remember- Being very overweight makes you more likely
to have serious health problems, such as
heart disease and
type 2 diabetes.
- Weight-loss medicines may
be an option if you haven't been able to lose weight with lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and exercise, and
if:
- Your
BMI (body mass index) is at least 30 (or at least 27.5
if you are Asian).
- Your BMI is at least 27 and
you also have
another health problem related to your weight, such as
diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
- Medicine may help you lose a small amount of
weight. But without permanent changes in eating and exercise habits, most
people gain weight again after they stop taking the medicine.
- You
must decide if the benefit of taking a certain medicine outweighs its side
effects. Side effects of weight-loss medicines may include headaches, nausea, and bowel
problems.
- Weight-loss medicines can be expensive. They may not be covered by
your health plan.
- It is important to talk with your doctor about how much weight you expect to lose and how long you would need to take the medicine.
FAQs Weight-loss
medicines work by making you feel less hungry, making you feel full more quickly,
or changing how you digest fat. These prescription medicines include: - Orlistat
(Xenical). This drug prevents some of the fat calories you eat from
being absorbed in your intestines. A lower strength of it, sold as
Alli, is available without a prescription.
- Appetite suppressants (benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, phentermine). These drugs keep
you from feeling as hungry. They are approved only for short-term use.
- Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia). This medicine combines the drugs phentermine and topiramate. Taking it once a day can help you eat less.
- Lorcaserin (Belviq). This medicine can help you eat less and feel satisfied with eating smaller amounts of food. You take it twice a day.
- Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave). This medicine may reduce your appetite and help you avoid overeating.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda). This medicine may help you eat less. It's given as a shot once a day.
Weight-loss medicines help some people lose weight. The medicines are used along with diet changes
and more physical activity. Without making lifestyle changes, you will gain back the
weight if you stop taking the medicine. Medicine doesn't work for everyone. If you don't lose weight within 4
weeks of starting the medicine, it probably won't help you.footnote 1 Weight loss medicines often cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Some also may cause diarrhea. Sometimes the side effects are mild and go away over time. Each medicine also has its own side effects. Here are a few examples: - Orlistat (Xenical) can cause changes in bowel habits. These may include oily or fatty stool and being unable to control bowel movements.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda) may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people who have diabetes. In anyone, it may cause stomach pain and upset. It also can make the heart beat faster. Cases of inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) have been reported.
- Appetite suppressants (benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, phentermine) can make you nervous and irritable. They may raise your blood pressure. You may have trouble sleeping. It is possible to become addicted to these medicines.
If you are under a lot of
stress, have an emotional illness such as
anxiety or
depression, or have an alcohol or drug problem, you
need treatment for that problem before you use weight-loss medicine. If you
don't treat it, you will have a harder time losing weight. Your doctor may recommend weight-loss medicine if: - Your BMI is at least 30 (27.5 if you are
Asian).
- Your BMI is at least 27 and you have other problems related
to your weight, such as:
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- You have tried for some time to lose
weight with diet and physical activity.
- You don't have untreated
depression or another major mental illness, and you don't misuse alcohol.
If your doctor prescribes a weight-loss medicine for you, tell him or her about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking. Your doctor will want to know your side effects and watch to see if your weight loss improves your type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and/or blood pressure. Compare your options | |
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What is usually involved? |
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What are the benefits? |
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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Take weight-loss
medicines Take weight-loss
medicines - Depending on the type
of drug, you take a pill 1 to 3 times a day or get a shot once a day.
- You also try to make lasting changes in your diet and physical
activity level.
- Weight-loss medicines
can help you lose a small amount of weight.
- The weight loss that you see right away can motivate you to continue your healthy eating and exercising after the medicine is stopped.
- If you lose weight, you may be less likely to have
related health problems, including
heart disease and
type 2 diabetes.
- Possible side effects include:
- Increased blood
pressure.
- Headache.
- Sleep problems.
- Unpleasant changes in bowel habits.
- Unless you make long-term changes in your eating and exercise
habits, you are likely to gain back the weight after you stop taking the
medicine.
- Weight-loss medicines can be expensive. They may not be covered by
your health plan.
Use only diet and
exercise to lose weight Use only diet and
exercise to lose weight - You
try to make lasting changes in your diet and physical activity.
- Eating
fewer calories while being more active may help you lose weight.
- You avoid the risks and side effects of
taking weight-loss medicines.
- You avoid the cost of taking medicine.
- If you aren't able to lose weight using diet and exercise, you're more likely to have
related health problems. These may include
heart disease and
type 2 diabetes.
I was
concerned about taking a weight-loss medicine. I was worried about those
stimulant diet pills that people took years ago that had such a questionable
reputation. But I've learned that some of the newer medicines are different. And after struggling to lose not even 5 pounds over the past
8 months, I am now ready to see if medicines can add anything to the
good habits I've tried to establish. I know the medicine isn't going to be a
magic bullet. But I hope it can give me that little extra help I seem to need.
I realize that I didn't gain my extra
weight in just a few months. I don't expect to be able to lose it all
quickly. I want to get back to eating a more balanced diet again and to set a
good example for my kids so that they don't develop poor eating habits as they
grow up. I plan to start taking them for walks and introducing them to lots of
outdoor activities that we can do together. I don't want to be on pills for the
rest of my life. I need a long-term solution. My sister
has been taking a weight-loss medicine for about 4 months now, and she has
been on a low-fat diet. We have been walking together 3 times a week. She has
lost about 10 pounds already. I don't think I've lost any weight yet,
even though I have been watching what I eat, too. Maybe medicines can help me lose weight. The side
effects of Xenical sound pretty unpleasant to me. I have made a few changes in
my diet, and I am walking twice a week. I'm going to give myself at least a
year of a balanced diet and exercise before I think about
taking a medicine. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take weight-loss medicine Reasons not to take weight-loss medicine I am desperate to lose weight, and I think medicine will help me. I don't like the idea of taking medicine. More important Equally important More important I have tried diet and exercise, and I just can't seem to lose weight. I want to keep trying diet and exercise before I start taking medicine. More important Equally important More important I'm not worried about the cost of medicine. I don't think I can afford the cost of medicine. More important Equally important More important I think losing a little bit of weight is worth the side effects of medicine. I don't think the side effects are worth the small amount of weight I might lose by taking medicine. More important Equally important More important Along with taking medicine, I'm willing to work hard to make permanent changes in my eating and exercise habits. Medicines aren't worth it to me if I'll just gain the weight back without permanent lifestyle changes. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking weight-loss medicine NOT taking weight-loss medicine Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision?1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure Your SummaryHere's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Next stepsWhich way you're leaningHow sure you areYour commentsKey concepts that you understoodKey concepts that may need reviewCredits | Author | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacy |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
References Citations - Klein S, et al. (2011). Obesity. In S Melmed et al., eds., Williams Textbook of Endocrinology, 12th ed., pp. 1605-1632. Philadelphia: Saunders.
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Obesity: Should I Take Weight-Loss Medicine?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. - Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the FactsYour options- Take weight-loss
medicine, along with trying to eat healthy foods and being active.
- Try to lose weight without weight-loss medicines by eating healthy foods and being active.
Key points to remember- Being very overweight makes you more likely
to have serious health problems, such as
heart disease and
type 2 diabetes.
- Weight-loss medicines may
be an option if you haven't been able to lose weight with lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and exercise, and
if:
- Your
BMI (body mass index) is at least 30 (or at least 27.5
if you are Asian).
- Your BMI is at least 27 and
you also have
another health problem related to your weight, such as
diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
- Medicine may help you lose a small amount of
weight. But without permanent changes in eating and exercise habits, most
people gain weight again after they stop taking the medicine.
- You
must decide if the benefit of taking a certain medicine outweighs its side
effects. Side effects of weight-loss medicines may include headaches, nausea, and bowel
problems.
- Weight-loss medicines can be expensive. They may not be covered by
your health plan.
- It is important to talk with your doctor about how much weight you expect to lose and how long you would need to take the medicine.
FAQs What are weight-loss medicines?Weight-loss
medicines work by making you feel less hungry, making you feel full more quickly,
or changing how you digest fat. These prescription medicines include: - Orlistat
(Xenical). This drug prevents some of the fat calories you eat from
being absorbed in your intestines. A lower strength of it, sold as
Alli, is available without a prescription.
- Appetite suppressants (benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, phentermine). These drugs keep
you from feeling as hungry. They are approved only for short-term use.
- Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia). This medicine combines the drugs phentermine and topiramate. Taking it once a day can help you eat less.
- Lorcaserin (Belviq). This medicine can help you eat less and feel satisfied with eating smaller amounts of food. You take it twice a day.
- Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave). This medicine may reduce your appetite and help you avoid overeating.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda). This medicine may help you eat less. It's given as a shot once a day.
How well do weight-loss medicines work?Weight-loss medicines help some people lose weight. The medicines are used along with diet changes
and more physical activity. Without making lifestyle changes, you will gain back the
weight if you stop taking the medicine. Medicine doesn't work for everyone. If you don't lose weight within 4
weeks of starting the medicine, it probably won't help you.1 What are the risks and side effects of some weight-loss medicines?Weight loss medicines often cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Some also may cause diarrhea. Sometimes the side effects are mild and go away over time. Each medicine also has its own side effects. Here are a few examples: - Orlistat (Xenical) can cause changes in bowel habits. These may include oily or fatty stool and being unable to control bowel movements.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda) may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people who have diabetes. In anyone, it may cause stomach pain and upset. It also can make the heart beat faster. Cases of inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) have been reported.
- Appetite suppressants (benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, phentermine) can make you nervous and irritable. They may raise your blood pressure. You may have trouble sleeping. It is possible to become addicted to these medicines.
If you are under a lot of
stress, have an emotional illness such as
anxiety or
depression, or have an alcohol or drug problem, you
need treatment for that problem before you use weight-loss medicine. If you
don't treat it, you will have a harder time losing weight. Why might your doctor recommend weight-loss medicine?Your doctor may recommend weight-loss medicine if: - Your BMI is at least 30 (27.5 if you are
Asian).
- Your BMI is at least 27 and you have other problems related
to your weight, such as:
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- You have tried for some time to lose
weight with diet and physical activity.
- You don't have untreated
depression or another major mental illness, and you don't misuse alcohol.
If your doctor prescribes a weight-loss medicine for you, tell him or her about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking. Your doctor will want to know your side effects and watch to see if your weight loss improves your type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and/or blood pressure. 2. Compare your options| | Take weight-loss
medicines | Use only diet and
exercise to lose weight |
|---|
| What is usually involved? | - Depending on the type
of drug, you take a pill 1 to 3 times a day or get a shot once a day.
- You also try to make lasting changes in your diet and physical
activity level.
| - You
try to make lasting changes in your diet and physical activity.
|
|---|
| What are the benefits? | - Weight-loss medicines
can help you lose a small amount of weight.
- The weight loss that you see right away can motivate you to continue your healthy eating and exercising after the medicine is stopped.
- If you lose weight, you may be less likely to have
related health problems, including
heart disease and
type 2 diabetes.
| - Eating
fewer calories while being more active may help you lose weight.
- You avoid the risks and side effects of
taking weight-loss medicines.
- You avoid the cost of taking medicine.
|
|---|
| What are the risks and side effects? | - Possible side effects include:
- Increased blood
pressure.
- Headache.
- Sleep problems.
- Unpleasant changes in bowel habits.
- Unless you make long-term changes in your eating and exercise
habits, you are likely to gain back the weight after you stop taking the
medicine.
- Weight-loss medicines can be expensive. They may not be covered by
your health plan.
| - If you aren't able to lose weight using diet and exercise, you're more likely to have
related health problems. These may include
heart disease and
type 2 diabetes.
|
|---|
Personal storiesPersonal stories about using medicine for obesity
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I was concerned about taking a weight-loss medicine. I was worried about those stimulant diet pills that people took years ago that had such a questionable reputation. But I've learned that some of the newer medicines are different. And after struggling to lose not even 5 pounds over the past 8 months, I am now ready to see if medicines can add anything to the good habits I've tried to establish. I know the medicine isn't going to be a magic bullet. But I hope it can give me that little extra help I seem to need." "I realize that I didn't gain my extra weight in just a few months. I don't expect to be able to lose it all quickly. I want to get back to eating a more balanced diet again and to set a good example for my kids so that they don't develop poor eating habits as they grow up. I plan to start taking them for walks and introducing them to lots of outdoor activities that we can do together. I don't want to be on pills for the rest of my life. I need a long-term solution." "My sister has been taking a weight-loss medicine for about 4 months now, and she has been on a low-fat diet. We have been walking together 3 times a week. She has lost about 10 pounds already. I don't think I've lost any weight yet, even though I have been watching what I eat, too. Maybe medicines can help me lose weight." "The side effects of Xenical sound pretty unpleasant to me. I have made a few changes in my diet, and I am walking twice a week. I'm going to give myself at least a year of a balanced diet and exercise before I think about taking a medicine." 3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take weight-loss medicine Reasons not to take weight-loss medicine I am desperate to lose weight, and I think medicine will help me. I don't like the idea of taking medicine. More important Equally important More important I have tried diet and exercise, and I just can't seem to lose weight. I want to keep trying diet and exercise before I start taking medicine. More important Equally important More important I'm not worried about the cost of medicine. I don't think I can afford the cost of medicine. More important Equally important More important I think losing a little bit of weight is worth the side effects of medicine. I don't think the side effects are worth the small amount of weight I might lose by taking medicine. More important Equally important More important Along with taking medicine, I'm willing to work hard to make permanent changes in my eating and exercise habits. Medicines aren't worth it to me if I'll just gain the weight back without permanent lifestyle changes. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking weight-loss medicine NOT taking weight-loss medicine Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
Weight-loss medicine is all I need to lose lots of weight permanently. You're right. Medicine will probably help you lose just a small amount of weight. And unless you make permanent changes in your eating and exercise habits, you will likely gain back the weight after you stop taking the medicine. 2.
I may suffer unpleasant side effects if I take weight-loss medicine. That's right. Side effects of weight-loss medicines include headaches, nausea, bowel problems, and increased blood pressure. Some people stop taking the medicine because the side effects are too unpleasant. Decide what's next1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Credits | By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacy |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
References Citations - Klein S, et al. (2011). Obesity. In S Melmed et al., eds., Williams Textbook of Endocrinology, 12th ed., pp. 1605-1632. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.Current as of:
October 13, 2016 Klein S, et al. (2011). Obesity. In S Melmed et al., eds., Williams Textbook of Endocrinology, 12th ed., pp. 1605-1632. Philadelphia: Saunders. Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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