Many people struggle with weight loss as well as the countless people who have weight related medical problems. Weight loss drugs can assist you in meeting your goal for weight loss.

These weight loss drugs will not take the place of good eating habits and the need to exercise and be active. For many who want to loose weight, the weight loss drugs sound like a dream, but remember they are not for everyone who is overweight.

Are weight loss drugs right for you? They are not intended for people who are trying to loose weight for cosmetic reason, but rather those who are losing weight for their health. The prescription for weight-loss drugs are given to people who have been unable to loose with diet and exercise and as well as for those who have medical problems due to their being overweight.

Your doctor may consider weight-loss drugs for you if you have no contraindications and:

Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30
Your BMI is greater than 27 and you have a serious medical problem related to obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
In order to get these prescriptions, your doctor needs your health history as well as all prescriptions that you currently take to avoid any potential interactions with the medication.

Weight loss medication can produce an average weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight within a year. Not medication along can give you these results, but when coupled with a low calorie diet and regular exercise your results will be better. This percentage of weight loss does not seem like much, but even 5 to 10 percent will improve your health by: Decreasing blood pressure, Decreasing lipid levels,
Decreasing blood glucose levels, Increasing insulin sensitivity.

It is important that these medications are not right for everyone and most people will some or all of the weight you have lost once you stop taking the medication.

Most of these prescriptions are approved by the FDA to be taken for only 12 weeks. Xenical has, however, been approved for long term use. Orlistat, which is also available in a reduced strength without a presciption, blocks the absorption and digestion of fat in your stomach and intestines.

Many of these medications have side affects. Some of the side affects are: Diethylpropion- Increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, dizziness, Phentermine- Increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, dizziness, Orlistat- Intestinal cramps, gas, oily spotting

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2010

There has been a lot of concern for some of these medications. For example, Meridia, which was approved in 1997, was taken off the market in 2010 due to studies showing it increases your risk of heart problems and stroke.

You and your doctor need to weigh the long term risks and potential benefits before you decide if a weight loss drug is right for you. Remember also, all health insurance plans do not cover these medications. Some may be very expensive to take.

Weight loss drugs can be an asset to reaching your weight loss goals. Make sure that you implement or continue on an exercise routine as well as the necessary diet for the lifestyle change that you are looking for or needing. Keeping off the pounds you’ve lost, however, is an ongoing concern. And many people, despite their efforts, still regain the weight.

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