Obesity is a condition in which there is excess fat in the body. Apart from creating cosmetic problems, obesity causes many health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. Obesity can cause diabetes. Many of these health problems can be prevented if the patient tries to have a modest weight loss.
A person who has a body mass index equal to or more than 30 is considered as obese. Weight loss medicines should be taken according to the doctor’s prescription. It is important to take a proper diet and do regular exercises along with these medicines. Some drugs and medications to treat obesity are as follows.
Drugs And Medications To Treat Obesity
Orlistat (Xenical)
This is an approved medicine used to treat obesity. The medicine cures obesity by blocking fat absorption and the unabsorbed fat is removed through the stools. The medicine cause 2.3-3.2 kg fat loss more that the fat loss due to diet and exercise alone.
When you are using orlistat, it is important to take a multivitamin along with it as it helps in preventing deficiency of nutrients. The medicine can cause some side effects like frequent bowel movements and gas.
Lorcaserin (Belviq)
This is an approved drug used to treat obesity. The medicine decreases the appetite by influencing brain chemicals. The medicine causes a feeling of fullness due to which the patient eats less and does not gain weight.
When you are taking this medicine, it is important to monitor weight. If the medicine does not show results and fails to decrease weight in twelve weeks, you should stop the medicine, as it is not likely to decrease weight. The medicine can cause some side effects like headache, fatigue and dryness of mouth. You can have constipation, dizziness and nausea.
Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
This is an approved obesity medicine for adults. This medicine is a combination of two medicines phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is used for decreasing weight while phentermine is used for treating seizures. It is important to monitor weight when you take Qsymia.
If the medicine fails to show results and decrease three percent weight in twelve weeks, you must stop the medicine after consulting a doctor. The medicine can cause side effects like fast heart rate, dizziness, constipation and tingling. There can be insomnia, memory problems, sleep disorders, vision problems and suicidal thoughts. The medicine is not suitable for pregnant women as it can cause birth effects.
Phentermine (Adipex-P)
This medicine is used for treating obesity. Use the medicine for a short time for only three months. The medicine is meant for use by adults. The medicine suppresses the appetite by influencing the nervous system. When you take the medicine, you should take a proper diet and do regular exercises. Take the medicine according to the doctor’s prescription. Take the medicine on empty stomach. Put the medicine on your mouth and let it dissolve. Do not chew the medicine and avoid swallowing it.
If Phentermine causes sleep problems, take it in the beginning of the day. Do not take the medicine after 6 pm. The medicine can cause some side effects like shortness of breath, chest pain, feet swelling, fast heartbeat, confusion, irritability, high blood pressure, restlessness, hyperactivity, insomnia, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness and stomach upset.
