Weight Loss

Weight loss drugs can be a big help to all those who have quite actively tried all methods of losing weight without too much of success. Along with a healthy diet plan and a regular exercise schedule, the prescription drugs can help individuals lose weight easily.

However, weight loss drugs are not meant for everybody. As a result, they are not available over the counter. You first need to visit a doctor who would prescribe it to you once he/she is satisfied that the various attempts you have made at losing weight have failed, and that there is no other alternative left but to resort to some medical help.

Before you go and shell out a heft consultancy fee to a doctor, it is better that you take some free advice.

* To begin with, know that weight loss drugs are not advisable if your need is to lose only a couple of pounds of your body. These are meant for only those who are overweight and have failed to shed their extra pounds through the conventional means of dieting and exercising.

* Further, weight loss medication is meant for you only if your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 27 and you have medical complications related to obesity, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

* Prescribed weight loss pills are also meant for those who have a BMI higher than 30.

It is always better to opt for a combination of medical help and a change in lifestyle in order to lose weight easily. Dieting and exercise alone won't be able to bring about weight loss easily and consuming only pills to lose weight, as we will see, can be sometimes dangerous. Hence, it is better that both are used together to lose weight.

Two prescription drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are as follows:

* Sibutramine: This drug is also known as Meridia. It is considered to be quite strong and hence only a small dose (5 to 15 milligrams (mg) once a day) is recommended to wannabe weight losers. However, side-effects such as headache, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, insomnia and constipation are associated with it. Monthly cost of these pills can be around $112 to $213.

* Orlistat: Also otherwise known as Xenical, this prescription drug is not as powerful as Sibutramine. Hence, it takes a large dose (120 mg) thrice a day to bring about the desired results. Its side-effects include symptoms like abdominal pain, frequent oily bowel movements, diarrhea, and bloating.

To conclude, it is imperative that both you and your doctor assess the possible benefits of taking a weight loss drug and weigh them against the likely long-term risks. Also, before you start taking these drugs, keep in mind your health history, the possible side effects and the potential interaction of weight-loss drugs with other medications you're taking.