If we talk about the modern world, every second person is dealing with obesity and trying to lose weight in different ways. There are many natural ways to lose weight, such as diet plans, a healthy lifestyle, exercise, etc. But, doctors and health professionals are also looking for weight loss medications to solve the emerging problem of obesity in individuals. If you are unaware of how to ask your doctor for weight loss pills, this article is for you.
It is estimated that 30% of Americans are obese. Obesity doesn’t just destroy your body structure, but it also leads to many other diseases like diabetes and heart disease. We will discuss what to consider before taking weight loss medications and how your doctor can help you with weight loss.
Key Takeaways:
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What Questions Should I Ask a Doctor for Weight Loss?
How to ask your doctor for weight loss pills? That’s the central question you need to address. Choose a doctor who knows your medical history and different weight loss medications. Before discussing weight loss with a doctor, asking questions addressing your overall health and specific weight loss goals is essential. You might consider asking some questions:
- What is a healthy weight range based on age, height, and body type?
- Is this weight loss medication suitable for me?
- How does it work?
- What are its benefits and risks?
- Are there potential side effects?
- How long do I take it, and what weight loss can I expect?
- Are any specific dietary or lifestyle changes needed?
- Are there alternatives?
- What if I experience adverse effects?
- When will I see the results?
How Can My Doctor Help Me Lose Weight?
We often think that when we can follow our weight loss plan, why must we see a doctor? But your doctor can be the best companion in your weight loss journey. Your doctor can assess your current health condition, weight, and factors behind the weight gain and help you to prescribe the best solution.
There can be many reasons for weight gain. It can be unhealthy eating, a less active lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, or other factors. Your doctor can refer you to specialists like nutritionists, dieticians, or exercise physiologists. He can also guide you to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
You may need clarification about what weight you should have and what medications you should choose. So, a good doctor can clear all these things to you, and you can select the most appropriate way to lose weight.
Note: Don’t follow any dietary plan or weight loss medication if you have health issues. A consultation with a health professional is a must here.
What Are the Medications My Doctor Can Prescribe to Lose Weight?
There are several medications that you can choose to aid in weight loss. However, the most common medicines for weight loss are the following.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
This medication will help you by allowing the dietary fat to be absorbed in the intestine. This will lead to a lower calorie intake, which will help you reduce weight. However, usually, people with BMI (Body Mass Index) 27-30 or higher within obesity conditions use this medication.
Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira):
It is a stimulant for suppressing appetite and boosting your energy level. It is a short-term medication applied within a diet and exercise plan to treat obesity.
Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia):
This medication combines phentermine and topiramate and helps to reduce appetite. It will also give you the feeling of fullness so you can take control of your diet. Moreover, it can also be effective for long-term use in people with obesity.
Liraglutide (Saxenda):
This medication mimics the effects of naturally occurring hormones to reduce the appetite. It is the best medication for type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide is also FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave):
This combination medication consists of Bupropion and Naltrexone. Bupropion is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, while naltrexone is effective in treating alcohol and opioid dependence. It helps to control appetite and cravings. So, you can reduce calorie intake with this medication.
Lorcaserin (Belviq):
Lorcaserin is a serotonin receptor agonist that helps reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness. This medication came to market in 2020 due to concerns about the increased rate of cancer. Yet, it is still available in a few countries.
| Note: Weight loss medications are applicable if your diet or exercise plan is not working and your weight increases. Individuals with IBM 30 or higher can use these medications to deal with beauty. However, it will always work with others. You will always need a balanced diet plan and workout to maintain weight. Don’t use any medications without consultation with a doctor. |
Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe?
If exercise, medications, and diets do not work for you to lose weight, weight loss surgery can be a good option. Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is effective for weight loss. Yet, different weight loss surgeries include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding.
Each type has benefits; your doctor can recommend the best weight loss surgery. There are also some risks associated with weight loss surgeries, like infections, bleeding, blood clots, anesthesia complications, and long-term nutritional deficiencies. So, your doctor can analyze your overall health first and then recommend a perfect solution. Overall, it’s an effective and safe option for individuals dealing with obesity.
What to Do If My Doctor Says NO?
Your doctor can say no to weight loss pills for you if these are not suitable for you. There can be many factors behind it. But, your doctor can say no to weight loss pills if:
- Other alternatives can work
- Health condition might not be good
- Have some other health issues
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- IBM is below 30
- These medications can show diverseeffectsts
It is always a good option to consult a doctor who knows your medical history well. He can recommend you a better solution. If he is asking you to choose some other alternatives, you shouldn’t take risks medications.
The Bottom Line:
Weight gain is now a rising problem in individuals. People try to lose weight in different ways. As science develops, new alternatives are coming into the market for treating obesity. You can try natural ways like workouts and a balanced weight-loss diet plans.
However, you can take weight loss medications if these methods are not working. This article explains how to ask your doctor for weight loss pills. Before applying, you must consider your present health situation, BMI, potential side effects, and benefits of weight loss pills. A health professional can guide you through all these factors. So, proper consultation with your doctor is essential.