Prescription weight loss supplements have been popular options among dieters looking to lose weight with the guidance and approval of a physician’s care. The prescription options tend to have a higher quality of test and lab reports, in addition to often receiving the approval of the FDA, resulting in more highly monitored and evaluated weight loss options. Furthermore, according to the FDA, individuals who are obese and implement a program of prescription weight loss supplements under their physician’s care report in losing, on average, about 5 to 10 percent of their original weight.
Xenical
Xenical is a prescription weight loss formula that was approved by the FDA in 1999. Xenical is an anti-obesity drug that uses a lipase inhibiting formula. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fat, and Xenical works by absorbing any consumed dietary fat by up to 30 percent. Since the undigested fats are not absorbed by the body, Xenical may be a beneficial option for controlling weight.
Potential side effects of Xenical include:
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Intestinal Discomfort
- Leakage of oily stool
Meridia
Meridia has been approved by the FDA since 1997, and is a chemically formulated appetite suppressant. Meridia works by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals to decrease feelings of hunger and food cravings. While Meridia may be a beneficial weight loss aid for most consumers, those with a history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should not take this drug, as it may increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Potential side effects of Meridia include:
- Headache
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Insomnia
Short-Term Weight Loss Prescriptions
Many anti-obesity drugs have also been approved by the FDA, yet are intended for more rapid-result weight loss, and are intended only for short term use.
Some of the available short-term drugs include:
- Bontril
- Desoxyn
- Ionamin
- Adipex-P
These supplements are stimulant drugs that should not be used by individuals with a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid issues, or glaucoma. Also, while studies report that these drugs are effective for weight loss, they are not intended to be used far beyond a few weeks, and are often ineffective after this short-term window.
Added Risks of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs
In addition to side effects, studies report the following potential risks for consumers of diet pills:
- Addiction – Nearly all of the prescription pills are considered to be “controlled substances,” meaning doctors must follow restrictions when prescribing them as they may be potentially addictive.
- Developed Tolerance – As most studies show that positive weight loss begins to decrease after approximately 6 moths with a diet pill, it is presumed that most individuals begin to develop a tolerance to the drug’s effectiveness after a varying window of time. However, researchers are unsure if the drug becomes less effective over time due to a body’s resistance and tolerance, or due to the probability that the medication may have reached its climaxed effectiveness.
How Can I Obtain a Weight-Loss Pill Prescription?
Prescription weight loss drugs are only approved for select individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above. A physician may approve individuals for prescription drugs if they have a BMI of around 27 if there are other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and so forth. Individuals interested in taking prescription weight loss supplements should contact a doctor for an appropriate drug and weight loss plan.
