Guidelines To Get Prescription Weight Loss Medication

Prescription weight loss medication is medication given only on a physician's prescription. Unlike over-the-counter medication which you can get straight from the drug store, this medication requires that your physician deem it necessary and safe for your health. Let's get into the basic details about prescription weight loss medication; when you should opt to use it and what could be the outcomes.

Obesity is a chronic condition which not only hampers the individuals' quality of life; it also greatly increases the risk of encountering heart diseases. As such, physicians and health experts are all stressing that people with obesity problems focus on reducing their weight. Recent studies have shown an alarmingly large number of the population in developed countries is now obese and in danger of serious health hazards as well as early death.

While fighting obesity, the first option for a healthy recovery which is sustainable as well, is a lifestyle change which modifies diet along with promotes exercise. Medication is not the first choice for weight loss, nor is it the best and only answer to this problem. Weight loss medication should be taken as a last resort and even then not totally relied upon. The purpose of the medication is to compliment and support your weight loss program, not substitute for it.

Who should take Weight loss Medication?

Weight loss medication is not for everyone dealing with obesity or on a weight loss program. The medication should only be taken by individuals with;

1. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above, or

2. A BMI of 27 and above with an obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia (abnormal amounts of fat in the blood).

BMI is a ratio of weight to height which measures whether your weight places you health at any risk. BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is a healthy measurement.

Weight loss medication is basically of two types;

1. Appetite Suppressant: Most weight loss medication works by suppressing appetite. The medications cause chemical releases that either decrease hunger or increase the sense of being full. They also help to overcome emotional eating troubles by regulating mood. These include sibutramine, phentermine, phendimetrazine, and diethylpropion.

2. Lipase Inhibitors: lipase inhibitors work by blocking the body's fat absorbing ability. The fat simply gets worked out of the blood stream. These drugs work by stopping the secretion of the lipase enzyme, which breaks down fat in the digestive process. When fat is not broken down, the body can't absorb it. The drug orlistat reduces the body's ability to absorb dietary fat by about one-third. In 2207, the over the counter version (OTC) of this drug was approved by the FDA for sale to adults aged 18 years and above. The drug sells under the brand name Alli. But before you even think about taking this drug, be sure to read the indications as well as its side effects.

The weight loss medication approved by the FDA is recommended for use only in the short-term; a few weeks or some months. Prolonged use of any weight loss medication may result in health damage or addiction. Also, as mentioned before, the weight loss medication must be part of a healthy weight loss plan; studies have shown that once weight loss medication is discontinued, and the patient has no healthy routine to fall back on, chances of the weight returning rapidly are great.

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