Lose Weight With Medication
Are weight-loss pills safe to use?
It is best to utilize weight-loss medications under the supervision of a doctor who can explain the side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications to use. Additionally, the drug manufacturers produce reading materials like medication guides that are posted on the websites of the drug and manufacturer.
What is “normal” weight, and who defines that?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is more frequently used to measure obesity than weight. According to the World Health Organization, a normal BMI ranges from 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, with a small fluctuation for Asian cultures. Because BMI typically correlates with metabolic diseases, is simple to use, and is inexpensive, it is used as a screening tool. However, it does not take into account muscle mass, does not differentiate between health risks for men and women, or for different races/ethnicities. Alternative measurements include waist circumference or body fat percentage.
There is no “normal” weight at the individual level. The emphasis should be on enhancing body composition, lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and enhancing quality of life by getting more rest and having more energy.
How do weight-loss medications work?
The Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) has approved a number of drugs for use in managing weight, each having a unique mechanism of action. These include reducing appetite, controlling the brain’s reward system, enhancing satiety, or delaying the emptying of the stomach.
What categories of weight-loss medications do you prescribe most to patients, and is there a specific population each works best for?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) prescriptions have grown more frequently in recent years. Patients with diabetes benefit most from taking these medications. Liraglutide and semaglutide are two drugs in this category that have been F.D.A. approved for the management of obesity. Clinical trials have shown that these drugs can be used to safely treat obesity in people without diabetes.