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Defining obesity |
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Doctors measure obesity through a formula called the body mass index (BMI). If your BMI is 30 or higher, you are considered to be obese.
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Common Medication Prescribed
Sometimes obese people cannot lose enough weight through diet and exercise alone, which is when the doctor may prescribe a medication to help. Keep in mind that no magic pill will make you skinny. These medications should be used only under close medical supervision and in combination with a diet and exercise program. There are only two medications that are FDA-approved for up to two years of use.
- Meridia® (sibutramine) is the first in a new class of anti-obesity drugs known as neurotransmitter uptake inhibitors. The drug manipulates the brain's appetite control centers. One trial showed sibutramine caused an average five percent to 10 percent weight loss over one year. People with a history of stroke, heart disease, congestive heart failure or uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use sibutramine. This drug can cause significant elevation in blood pressure.
- Xenical® (orlistat) is the first in a new class of anti-obesity drugs that blocks the absorption of dietary fat. Orlistat works in the gastrointestinal tract, blocking enzymes that helps digest fat. Instead of being absorbed into the body, as much as one third of the fat that is ingested is excreted in the stool. Orlistat also blocks the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as beta-carotene, so supplements are needed. Side effects may include bloating, diarrhea and oily stools. In one study, patients who took the drug and followed a weight-loss diet for one year lost an average of 19 pounds, while those who followed the same diet and took a dummy pill lost 13 pounds on average. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes improved as well.
Other weight-loss drugs were either withdrawn by the FDA because of dangerous side effects or are approved only for short-term use (up to 12 weeks). Avoid all over-the-counter weight-loss drugs or herbal products, as these have been associated with stroke and other serious health problems. Talk to your doctor about medical therapy for obesity.
More on Obesity Popping a Pill to Lose Weight
The Weight Loss Wonder Drug
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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