Prescription weight loss medicines can help obese people lose weight. They are usually prescribed by a doctor when diet and exercise alone are not working. Each of these medicines works differently. People who use these medicines may not feel as hungry. Or they may feel full after eating only a small amount of food. Another type of weight-loss medicine makes it harder for your body to absorb fat. Prescription weight loss drugs can be helpful when used in combination with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity.
Who uses prescription weight loss medicines?
Prescription weight-loss medicines are only for people who are obese. Most of these medicines are designed for people who weigh 20% or more above what is ideal for their height and body type. Or they are used with people who have a high body mass index (BMI). The BMI is a measure of your weight in relation to your height. Your doctor may prescribe you medicine to treat your obesity if you have:
- A BMI of 30 or greater.
- A BMI of 27 or more and you have a disease or condition that may be related to your weight (this could include diabetes or high blood pressure).
Your doctor can tell you if prescription weight-loss medicines might be helpful for you.
Path to improved health
Prescription weight-loss medicines generally work in 2 ways. Most work in your body to make you less hungry or feel full faster. One FDA-approved medicine works in your digestive tract. It blocks the amount of fat your body can absorb. Some medicines are approved only for a short period of time, usually no more than 12 weeks. Others can be used long-term.
The following are medicines currently approved by the FDA for weight loss. Also included is information on how they work, common side effects, and warnings for each.
