Weight loss medications (sometimes called diet drugs) have a complicated history. Many overweight people would like nothing better than to be able to take a medication to help them reach a healthy weight. However, many physicians are reluctant to prescribe these medications because of widely publicized complications and adverse side effects associated with many classes of diet drugs. Furthermore physicians who have been in practice for more than a decade are often reluctant to prescribe weight loss medications because they completed their training before obesity was recognized as a disease requiring medical treatment.
But growing numbers of obese adults, many of whom have significant weight related health problems, and the availability of safer weight loss medications has caused many health experts to rethink the use of weight loss drugs.
Some important facts about weight loss drugs:
- When used properly, the currently available prescription weight loss medications can help people to safely lose weight and improve their ability to keep it off.
- Board certified bariatricians (doctors specially trained in the science of obesity treatment and weight management) have the appropriate training and experience to chose the right weight loss drug for a given patient and to monitor that patient's progress to ensure s/he remains in optimal health while losing weight.
- The amount of weight that can be lost with weight loss drugs alone is relatively modest.
- Using weight loss drugs as part of a multimodal (many methods) weight loss program that includes a low calorie diet, physical activity, and behavioral change produces the best results.
- In general, the most appropriate use of weight loss drugs is as an added tool during weight maintenance.
- Weight loss drugs may be prescribed for patients who struggle with hunger or strong food cravings while dieting, especially if they have a history of repeatedly losing and regaining weight.
