Prescription Weight Loss Pills: Will they work for you?
Prescription weight loss pills are one of the most common solutions when it comes to weight loss. However, these drugs aren’t necessarily meant for just anyone who is looking to lose weight. To be eligible for consuming these pills, it is necessary that you meet the required criteria and understand certain factors about these drugs.
Dieting, along with a certain level of exercise is necessary for anyone who wants to lose weight and stay healthy. Sometimes, there are certain health problems that may prevent you from losing weight no matter how hard you diet. In such situations prescription weight loss pills may be a suitable option. However, there are certain factors that need to be looked into before you can consider taking weight loss drugs to solve the problem.
Criteria for using prescription weight loss pills
Prescription weight loss pills are not a solution for those who simply want to drop a few pounds for cosmetic reasons. These drugs are meant for people who can’t seem to lose weight even after dieting and exercising. In such cases, doctors might consider putting you on weight-loss drugs, and if you meet any of the following-
- Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is over 27 and you have blood pressure, diabetes or other serious health issues related to obesity
- Your BMI is over 30.
However, before choosing any medication for you, a doctor will take into consideration the history of health, potential side effects, and possible interaction of the prescription weight loss pills with any other medication.
How effective are weight loss pills?
A combination of prescription weight loss pills, along with daily exercise and a low-calorie diet can result in 5 to 10 percent of total body weight loss in a year, on average. While this may seem like little, it actually is a typical weight loss goal. Additionally, this weight loss can also improve your overall health in ways like-
- Increasing insulin sensitivity
- Decreasing lipid levels
- Decreasing blood pressure
- Decreasing blood glucose levels
It is important to remember that these weight loss drugs may or may not work for everyone. Also, when you stop taking this medication, it is likely that you will gain most or all of the weight back.
Are weight loss pills safe?
Certain weight loss drugs are safe for long term use, while others are suited for short term use. Regardless of this, most of them can result in some side effects, which is why it is important that you take these only if and when prescribed by your doctor. Knowing the kind of weight loss pills you are taking and the risks that come with them will make you more aware of any side effects that you may experience. Consulting your doctor in these situations is a must to prevent any long terms effects the drug can have on you.
It is important to remember that before opting for prescription weight loss pills, you will need to weight the probable benefits of taking the drug against the possible risks with your doctor. Your health history and current medical conditions are also factors that are considered before you can choose this method of treatment. And should you opt for prescription weight loss pills, it is essential for you to ensure a regular exercise and a healthy diet, along with making other lifestyle changes for this treatment to be successful.