You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
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6Your Summary |
Weight-loss medicines work by making you feel less hungry, making you feel full more quickly, or changing how you digest fat.
These prescription medicines include:
Weight-loss medicines help some people lose weight. The medicines are used along with diet changes and more physical activity.
Without making lifestyle changes, you will gain back the weight if you stop taking the medicine.
Medicine doesn't work for everyone. If you don't lose weight within 4 weeks of starting the medicine, it probably won't help you.
Weight loss medicines often cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Some also may cause diarrhea. Sometimes the side effects are mild and go away over time.
Each medicine also has its own side effects. Here are a few examples:
If you are under a lot of stress, have an emotional illness such as
Your doctor may recommend weight-loss medicine if:
If your doctor prescribes a weight-loss medicine for you, tell him or her about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking.
Your doctor will want to know your side effects and watch to see if your weight loss improves your type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and/or blood pressure.
Compare
What is usually involved? |
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What are the benefits? |
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I was concerned about taking a weight-loss medicine. I was worried about those stimulant diet pills that people took years ago that had such a questionable reputation. But I've learned that some of the newer medicines are different. And after struggling to lose not even 5 pounds over the past 8 months, I am now ready to see if medicines can add anything to the good habits I've tried to establish. I know the medicine isn't going to be a magic bullet. But I hope it can give me that little extra help I seem to need.
John, age 50
I realize that I didn't gain my extra weight in just a few months. I don't expect to be able to lose it all quickly. I want to get back to eating a more balanced diet again and to set a good example for my kids so that they don't develop poor eating habits as they grow up. I plan to start taking them for walks and introducing them to lots of outdoor activities that we can do together. I don't want to be on pills for the rest of my life. I need a long-term solution.
George, age 45
My sister has been taking a weight-loss medicine for about 4 months now, and she has been on a low-fat diet. We have been walking together 3 times a week. She has lost about 10 pounds already. I don't think I've lost any weight yet, even though I have been watching what I eat, too. Maybe medicines can help me lose weight.
Susan, age 42
The side effects of Xenical sound pretty unpleasant to me. I have made a few changes in my diet, and I am walking twice a week. I'm going to give myself at least a year of a balanced diet and exercise before I think about taking a medicine.
Carla, age 40
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take weight-loss medicine
Reasons not to take weight-loss medicine
I am desperate to lose weight, and I think medicine will help me.
I don't like the idea of taking medicine.
I have tried diet and exercise, and I just can't seem to lose weight.
I want to keep trying diet and exercise before I start taking medicine.
I'm not worried about the cost of medicine.
I don't think I can afford the cost of medicine.
I think losing a little bit of weight is worth the side effects of medicine.
I don't think the side effects are worth the small amount of weight I might lose by taking medicine.
Along with taking medicine, I'm willing to work hard to make permanent changes in my eating and exercise habits.
Medicines aren't worth it to me if I'll just gain the weight back without permanent lifestyle changes.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking weight-loss medicine
NOT taking weight-loss medicine
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Author | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Theresa O'Young PharmD - Clinical Pharmacy |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine |
Weight-loss medicines work by making you feel less hungry, making you feel full more quickly, or changing how you digest fat.
These prescription medicines include:
Weight-loss medicines help some people lose weight. The medicines are used along with diet changes and more physical activity.
Without making lifestyle changes, you will gain back the weight if you stop taking the medicine.
Medicine doesn't work for everyone. If you don't lose weight within 4 weeks of starting the medicine, it probably won't help you.
Weight loss medicines often cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Some also may cause diarrhea. Sometimes the side effects are mild and go away over time.
Each medicine also has its own side effects. Here are a few examples:
If you are under a lot of stress, have an emotional illness such as
Your doctor may recommend weight-loss medicine if:
If your doctor prescribes a weight-loss medicine for you, tell him or her about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking.
Your doctor will want to know your side effects and watch to see if your weight loss improves your type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and/or blood pressure.
Take weight-loss medicines | Use only diet and exercise to lose weight | |
---|---|---|
What is usually involved? |
|
|
What are the benefits? |
|
|
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I was concerned about taking a weight-loss medicine. I was worried about those stimulant diet pills that people took years ago that had such a questionable reputation. But I've learned that some of the newer medicines are different. And after struggling to lose not even 5 pounds over the past 8 months, I am now ready to see if medicines can add anything to the good habits I've tried to establish. I know the medicine isn't going to be a magic bullet. But I hope it can give me that little extra help I seem to need."
— John, age 50
"I realize that I didn't gain my extra weight in just a few months. I don't expect to be able to lose it all quickly. I want to get back to eating a more balanced diet again and to set a good example for my kids so that they don't develop poor eating habits as they grow up. I plan to start taking them for walks and introducing them to lots of outdoor activities that we can do together. I don't want to be on pills for the rest of my life. I need a long-term solution."
— George, age 45
"My sister has been taking a weight-loss medicine for about 4 months now, and she has been on a low-fat diet. We have been walking together 3 times a week. She has lost about 10 pounds already. I don't think I've lost any weight yet, even though I have been watching what I eat, too. Maybe medicines can help me lose weight."
— Susan, age 42
"The side effects of Xenical sound pretty unpleasant to me. I have made a few changes in my diet, and I am walking twice a week. I'm going to give myself at least a year of a balanced diet and exercise before I think about taking a medicine."
— Carla, age 40
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take weight-loss medicine
Reasons not to take weight-loss medicine
I am desperate to lose weight, and I think medicine will help me.
I don't like the idea of taking medicine.
I have tried diet and exercise, and I just can't seem to lose weight.
I want to keep trying diet and exercise before I start taking medicine.
I'm not worried about the cost of medicine.
I don't think I can afford the cost of medicine.
I think losing a little bit of weight is worth the side effects of medicine.
I don't think the side effects are worth the small amount of weight I might lose by taking medicine.
Along with taking medicine, I'm willing to work hard to make permanent changes in my eating and exercise habits.
Medicines aren't worth it to me if I'll just gain the weight back without permanent lifestyle changes.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking weight-loss medicine
NOT taking weight-loss medicine
1. Weight-loss medicine is all I need to lose lots of weight permanently.
2. I may suffer unpleasant side effects if I take weight-loss medicine.
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
By | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Theresa O'Young PharmD - Clinical Pharmacy |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine |
Current as of: August 25, 2022
Author:
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