In the United States, the problem of obesity has long been a medical problem number 1, so the question of using drugs for weight loss in this country is very well studied, according to the Internet publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net Let's get acquainted with the opinion of American experts from the famous Mayo Clinic.

If you have serious health problems due to excess weight, and a diet is not enough for you, then the doctor can recommend prescription drugs for weight loss.

Nevertheless, you should know that drug therapy does not in any way replace a healthy lifestyle and exercise.

Who is the candidate for the medical treatment of obesity?.

In the US, slimming medications are usually the last choice for patients who do not get the right result from diet and exercise. Also, drugs are prescribed to those who have obesity already causing serious health problems, that is, delay is unacceptable. These drugs are not prescribed to people who want to lose a few pounds to improve their appearance.

If you do not have contraindications, your doctor may prescribe medications for obesity in the following cases:.

• Your body mass index (BMI) exceeds 30.

• Your BMI is above 27, but you already have serious health problems caused by obesity (diabetes, hypertension, etc.).. ) Before you choose any specific drug for you, the doctor will examine your medical history and assess the risk of interaction of drugs for weight loss with those drugs that you already take. To do this, you should inform your doctor about all your medicines, including those that you drink without prescription.

How well do drugs work for weight loss?.

If you combine a low-calorie diet, regular exercise and medication, you can in a healthy way achieve a loss of 5-10% of the original body weight for 1 year, or even in a shorter time. Usually 5-10% for 1 year is that realistic goal that American doctors put before their patients.

The loss of 5-10% of the original body weight may not impress readers.

But even such a modest reduction in weight can lead to clinically important results:.

• Lowering blood pressure.

• Normalization of the lipid profile.

• Reduction of blood sugar level.

• Increased sensitivity to insulin.

All these achievements reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other diseases, and also reduce the likelihood of premature death caused by the consequences of obesity.

The most commonly prescribed drugs for weight loss.

Preparations of Tenuate (diethylpropion) and Adipex (phentermine) have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term use only - for no longer than 12 consecutive weeks. The world-famous Xenical (orlistat), Belviq (lorcaserin) and the combined drug Qsymia are safer drugs that have been approved by the FDA for long-term use. The latter formulation contains phentermine and modified release topiramate (ER). Orlistat in the US market is also available as a non-prescription Alli drug, which contains a lower dose of the active substance.

Below is a list of these drugs with a brief listing of their characteristics:.

• Tenuate (diethylpropion). The drug reduces appetite, increases the feeling of satiety. Side effects: increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia and dizziness.

• Belviq (lorcaserin). The drug reduces appetite, increases the feeling of satiety. Side effects include headaches, weakness, nausea, dry mouth and constipation.

• Adipex (phentermine). The drug reduces appetite, increases the feeling of satiety. When it is taken, it is possible to raise blood pressure and heart rate, dizziness and sleep disturbance.

• Xenical (orlistat). This drug blocks the absorption of food fats in the intestine. Side effects: intestinal cramps, flatulence and a loose stool with an admixture of fat.

• Qsymia (phentermine and ER topiramate). This complex drug also reduces appetite, strengthens the sense of satiety. Side effects are associated with both components: increased blood pressure and heart rate, nervous excitement, insomnia, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, tingling in the hands and feet. When pregnancy can cause malformations of the fetus!.

Safety of drugs for weight loss.

Safety is traditionally a cause for concern when it comes to preparations for weight loss. For example, the infamous sibutramine (Meridia) was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the treatment of obesity, but in 2010 it was withdrawn from the market. The fact is that the studies revealed an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including a heart attack and a stroke, against the background of taking sibutramine. Almost simultaneously, this drug was banned in Europe and the CIS.

In the same year, the FDA conducted its own studies of orlistat safety, because rare reports reported a serious liver damage after its administration. There was no cause-effect relationship between these facts, but the manufacturers of Xenical and Alli drugs were required to warn patients about possible signs of liver failure such as jaundice, itchy skin, loss of appetite, brown urine and a clay (discolored) stool.

Belviq and Qsymia were originally rejected by the FDA, but their manufacturers initiated additional comprehensive studies that led to the approval of these drugs.

The drug Belviq caused particular concern, since its effect was similar to the action of fenfluramine, which in 1997 was removed from the market because of the ability to damage the heart valves. But there is still no evidence that Belviq causes the same problems.

Qsymia increases the risk of fetal malformations, because it contains topiramate (D-category by FDA).

In this regard, the FDA required the manufacturer to develop a special strategy for risk assessment and minimization (REMS), which is designed to inform women and prevent pregnancy while taking this dangerous drug.

Over the years, in the United States, as in other countries, new drugs appear to control body weight. It is very important to weigh the risk and benefit before taking such medicines. If the doctor is going to prescribe you a weight loss drug, make sure that you told him about all your medical problems and medications.

If you suspect a pregnancy, be sure to mention this.

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