Weight loss medications are drugs prescribed to obese people or other individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI), of above 30. They are administered to people who have failed to lose weight through a fitness program or dietary program. They are not just recommend for just anyone, but only those that have tried other weight loss methods to no avail.
Before you decide to use weight loss medications, it is important that you have your doctor advice on the best drugs for you. The doctor will ensure that you do not take medications that would have severe side effects on you. This article gives an in-depth look at the how weight loss medications work.
Who Can Use Weight Loss Medications?
Individuals struggling with weight loss that have a body mass index of 30 and above are the ones that should use weight loss medications. These medications are not just for anyone that would like to shed some pounds, especially for looks purposes. Weight loss medications cannot be administered to pregnant women or those that are breast-feeding. They are also meant for people who have conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes due to excessive weight.
If you have conditions like allergies, it is important that you consult with your doctor before using weight loss medications. This is because the side effects could be different to distinct people.
Weight loss medications can be used by anyone between the ages of 18 to 64.
How are Weight Loss Medications Used?
Weight loss medications are used together with and not to replace a fitness or a dietary program. Taking them and not watching your diet or exercising is meaningless since they are meant to complement the results of dieting and keeping fit. They help reduce the urge to take more food and thus reduce buildup of fats in the body. Some also work by making your stomach feel full so that you lose the need to take food.
Healthcare professionals advise that you take a multivitamin pill just before consuming the weight loss medication because they inhibit absorption of most of the vitamins into your body. Failure to do this can leave you with so much deficiency.
Are Weight Loss Medications Effective?
When used properly together with a dietary and fitness program, weight loss medications usually give great results than lifestyle changes alone. Studies show that by using weight loss drugs, you can lose between 3% – 7% of your weight in 12 months when coupled with lifestyle changes. This is way much more than lifestyle changes alone can achieve.
Benefits of Weight Loss Medications
Losing weight often comes with a wide range of benefits. Weight loss keeps you at bay from coronary related diseases such as high blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of cancer and stroke. Apart from this, it helps you manage blood sugar by reducing type 2 diabetes. Weight loss helps an individual to regain their lost self-esteem since most obese people do not like their physique. It also improves your sexual performance due to increased confidence and blood flow in the genitals. Furthermore, weight loss helps you engage in physical activities.
For How Long Should You Take Weight Loss Medications?
Weight loss medications are taken for as long as you need to until you achieve the results you want. Nevertheless, your doctor may recommend otherwise. Some people take longer to lose a given amount weight than others. Therefore, the period for which to use the drugs depends on what weight you desire to lose and the rate at which you are losing it. For instance, if you lose insignificant weight over a period of 12 months on a full dose, your doctor might probably change the medication for you. Study shows that most people gain weight after stopping their medication. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain that new weight or lose even more.
Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications often cause mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness and constipation. Severe side effects rarely occur. To reduce or escape the side effects, consult with your doctor so that you know what medication works best for you with minimal side effects or no effects at all.
Weight loss medications are incredible because they help individuals struggling with weight to shed it a lot faster and achieve a healthy life. If you are considering weight loss medications, be sure to reach out to your doctor for assistance on the same to ensure you attract the best possible results.
