In the constant struggle to beat obesity, prescribed weight loss medications are now a huge trend. These medications are usually prescribed when patients are unable to lose weight and diet and exercise alone are not working. Today you can find a wide variety of these drugs. It is necessary to clarify that each of these drugs works differently. In some cases, people using these medications may not feel hungry or may not feel hungry as often.
Or in many other cases, medications help the patient feel full after eating only a small amount of food. and another small group of these drugs helps the body resist the absorption of fat. All of them can be powerful and effective in achieving weight loss if they are used in a conscious way, added to daily physical activity, and have better eating habits.
Who Can Use Prescription Drugs For Weight Loss?
Prescription weight loss medications are prescribed only for patients who are suffering from obesity. These medications are designed for people whose weight is up to 20% more than their ideal weight (to calculate your ideal weight, you can review our Body Mass Index calculator) This body mass index is a measure of the weight of patients in relation to their height. Our qualified Innova Weight Loss Solutions Staff can prescribe medication to treat your obesity if a patient has:
- A BMI of 30 or more;
- A BMI of 27 or more and any condition that may be related to your weight (Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea).
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Prescription weight loss drugs work in two ways: the vast majority of these products work in patients’ bodies to make them feel less hungry or satisfied with less food. Some of these medications are approved and prescribed for a maximum period of 12 weeks and others can be used long-term. Below we will present the weight loss drugs approved by the FDA, their operation, side effects, and warnings for each of these drugs. These medications can be prescribed by our team of professionals in the New York and Puerto Rico offices. if you want to start losing weight today you can make an appointment or contact us at (973)241-1510.
The medications that you will find below make the patient feel less hungry or feel satisfied in a shorter period of time. These medications share very common side effects such as constipation, dizziness, nausea, and sometimes diarrhea.
Naltrexone-bupropion
- Name: Contrave;
- How it works: Makes patients feel full faster and feel less like eating during the day;
- Side effects: headaches, high blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, vomiting;
- Warnings: It is not recommended to use this medication if the patient has high blood pressure, a history of anorexia, or bulimia. If the patient has been dependent on analgesics and opioids, the use of this medication is not recommended either.
Liraglutide
- Name: Saxenda;
- How it works: Makes patients feel full faster and feel less like eating during the day;
- Side effects: pain in the abdominal area, headaches;
- Warnings: This medicine is available only by injection. It could increase the chance of developing pancreatitis.
Semiglutide
- Name: Wegovy;
- How it works: Works to regulate the appetite of patients so that they feel less need to eat as often;
- Side effects: nausea, diarrhea, indigestion;
- Warnings: It is an injection. Using this medicine could increase the risk of thyroid gland problems.
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As we mentioned earlier, these FDA-approved medications can only be used for up to 12 weeks. All organisms are and act differently, for this reason, it is necessary to clarify that in some cases these medications will not yield the expected results. Some common side effects of these medications include:
- Trouble sleeping;
- Nervousness;
- Joint pain;
- Increased blood pressure or pulse.
It is not recommended to use these medications if the patient has uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, or glaucoma. Over-the-counter medications and supplements containing ephedrine or caffeine are available on the market. Patients are required to consult with our Innova Weight Loss Solutions medical team before consuming these products which have been linked to reports of heart attacks, strokes, and sometimes even death.
How can I avoid gaining weight again when I stop using the medication?
Prescription weight loss medications are a good start on this arduous journey, but once the patient stops taking these medications, the patient may gain back the weight they have lost. In order to maintain weight, it is necessary to adapt to a healthy diet and perform physical activity on a daily basis. Losing weight and keeping it off requires effort.
How Can I Lose Weight Without Taking a Weight Loss Medication?
If a patient makes the decision that weight loss medications are not appropriate, we can still help them achieve their weight loss goals. It is essential to develop healthy eating habits and a daily exercise routine. We have an interdisciplinary team that will develop a personalized weight loss plan for you. We also have non-surgical procedures to lose weight steadily and safely. Contact us to learn more.
