The majority of Americans are now defined as overweight or obese. Millions are trying to lose weight, and there are many ways to try to do this. The most basic way to lose weight is through the rigorous discipline of diet and exercise, but many people are unwilling or unable to commit to such a program. Surgery is another option, but the risks and complications scare a lot of people. This has created great interest in prescription drugs for weight loss.
Appetite Suppressants
These are drugs that suppress the appetite so that you don't feel hungry. You take in fewer calories, and your body begins to burn fat for energy. Prescription appetite suppressants include Tenuate, Didrex, Sanorex, Adipex-P, Mazanor and Meridia. Apart from Meridia, appetite suppressants are not intended to be taken for an extended period of time. They are short-term medications.
Fat Absorption Inhibitors
Fat absorption inhibitors are drugs that prevent the body from digesting fats in the foods you eat. This fat is then eliminated from the body through the bowel. The only known fat absorption inhibitor is Xenical, which is able to prevent absorption of a maximum of about 30 percent of fat in the diet. (The over-the-counter medication Alli is a weaker dose of orlistat, the active drug in Xenical.)
Do Weight Loss Prescriptions Work?
Generally, we can say that these drugs work. On average, people who use Xenical and Meridia (the only long-term weight-loss prescriptions in the U.S.) have lost 5 to 22 pounds after one year. However, the success of these medications depends on how they are tolerated by the body. Some people lost more weight than others after taking the same doses. Dosage depends on the evaluation of your doctor.
Side Effects
People taking appetite suppressants can experience increased heart rate and blood pressure, constipation, inability to sleep, drowsiness, headaches and sweating. Xenical can lead to an inability to control bowel movements, making you need to use the bathroom more frequently. Because it inhibits fat absorption, Xenical causes oily stools, oily discharges and spotting. These conditions are worsened by eating oily foods.
Risks
Some of these drugs can be addictive, especially those that are for long-term use. Xenical and Meridia are controlled substances, and doctors should follow guidelines when prescribing them. The body can increase its tolerance for these drugs so that you will have to take more to get the same results. This further increases the risk of addiction.
