Prescription medications play a key role in treating overweight and obesity, particularly when combined with lifestyle modifications. They aim to decrease body weight by targeting mechanisms such as appetite regulation or fat absorption.
A body mass index (BMI) range of 25-29.9 is defined as being overweight while obesity refers to any BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more; severe obesity being defined as >=40 kg/m2. Both conditions increase risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other medical issues.
Over 70% of adults in the U.S. and over 1.9 Billion Global Adults Are Obese. Unfortunately, obesity rates continue to increase due to environmental and lifestyle influences.
Weight loss medication typically works by targeting pathways like appetite suppression (GLP-1 agonists), fat absorption reduction (orlistat), or metabolic regulation (naltrexone/bupropion). For optimal results, their use should be combined with diet and exercise for long-term benefits.
Candidates typically have a BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with related health conditions like hypertension. These treatments should only be considered when lifestyle alone cannot provide sufficient weight loss.
Certain weight-controlling drugs (e.g., semaglutide) have been approved for use by adolescents aged 12 . Any use in younger populations would need careful medical supervision and pediatrician approval due to developmental considerations.
No. Medication should supplement lifestyle changes rather than replace them; lasting weight loss typically requires diet, exercise and behavioral strategies in addition to prescribed treatments.
FDA-approved weight-loss medications have been found to cause 5-15% weight reduction from baseline, thus decreasing risk for diabetes, sleep apnea and other serious comorbidities while improving metabolic health independently from weight loss.
Possible adverse reactions may include nausea, gallbladder issues or mood shifts. Long-term safety data on newer agents has yet to be collected; medications may not be suitable for those with certain medical histories.
Be sure to strictly abide by the prescribed dose and schedules, attend regular follow-up visits, report any side effects promptly and track progress using food diaries or apps while participating in therapy sessions, if available.
A healthcare provider will assess various factors, such as BMI, health status, preferences and any potential side effects. Semaglutide often tops the list for its efficacy while orlistat can reduce calorie absorption.
For best results, most weight loss therapies require long-term usage; abrupt discontinuation can result in weight regain. Some therapies are tapered down gradually upon reaching goals.
Unfortunately, many regain 30-50% of their lost weight within one year if their habits revert. Exercise and diet maintenance remain key components in maintaining results after treatment has ended.
Coverage varies by plan; some require prior authorization or BMI thresholds before covering medication costs for eligible patients. Assistance programs from drug manufacturers may offer potential cost reduction.
Potential medications include Semaglutide (Wegovy), Liraglutide (Saxenda), Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave), Orlistat, Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia), and Setmelanotide as treatments.
Semaglutide, liraglutide and naltrexone/bupropion have proven safe over multiple year studies; orlistat also holds FDA approval but may need lifelong usage for maximum efficacy.
Providers sometimes prescribe diabetes drugs (e.g., Ozempic and Mounjaro) or antiseizure medicines such as Topiramate for weight loss even though these products have not been specifically labeled to do so; evidence from studies guides their usage.
Potential solutions include GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists and antibodies targeting POMC neurons. New formulations of existing drugs (e.g. extended-release semaglutide) are also being studied as potential solutions.
Trials investigate new medications' efficacy, safety, and optimal dose. Participants contribute data that inform regulatory approvals and treatment guidelines.
Clinical trials evaluate how different drugs impact weight loss, side effects and long-term outcomes; often comparing experimental treatments against existing options or placebos.
Ongoing trials include investigations of novel dual agonists and gene therapies. You can access more information through research networks like the NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov database.
CDC: Adult Obesity Facts
FDA: Approved Weight Management Medications
WHO: Global Health Observatory Data on Obesity
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
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