Dr. Art Mollen: Can a medication actually help with obesity?
Fitness: Many medications are helpful and work by blocking hunger pangs in the appetite center of the brain, but diet and exercise must be included
- Medications can help you lose an average of 5 percent to 15 percent of your body weight
- Body mass index should ideally be in the range of 18 to 25 for most people
- Don’t take over the counter natural weight loss vitamins and supplements
There are medications that can help you lose an average of 5 percent to 15 percent of your body weight, improving blood sugar and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
Body mass index should ideally be in the range of 18 to 25 for most people. Unfortunately only about 1 percent of patients for whom medications are indicated actually receive a prescription to lose weight. Although, short-term medications may be useful in some cases, there are others approved for long-term use.
Different medications
For many decades, the most common one has been Phentermine, which suppresses appetite. It is a controlled substance and is approved only for short-term use.
Another is Orlistat, a medication that simply reduces the absorption one-third of the fat you consume. This can be problematic for some because it affects fat-soluble vitamin absorption, such as A, D and E. It is available over-the-counter in a lower dosage called ALLI.
Qsymia is a combination of Phentermine and Topamax that works quite well. Studies have suggested that an average weight loss of up to 15 percent of body weight can be achieved. However, if at least a 3 percent weight loss is not achieved the medication should be discontinued.
Another medication is called Belviq, it works on the receptors in the appetite center of the brain. It averages 8 percent body weight loss. It also has to be evaluated at 12 weeks to determine whether or not you can continue taking it.
Another medication, Contrave, combines wellbutrin, a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, with naltrexone, a drug used for addiction. It is a particularly useful option for patients who also need to stop smoking.
The final medication is called Saxenda, and it works differently. It is an injectable and is similar to medications used for controlling blood sugar. Seven percent of body weight is the average amount lost.
Exercise, diet
Many of these medications are helpful and work by blocking hunger pangs in the appetite center of the brain.
However, regardless of which medication you try, behavior medication, including exercise and diet, must be part of your long-term solution in order to be successful.
One final caveat: Don’t take over the counter natural weight loss vitamins and supplements, which often exaggerate their claims and may cause side effects.
Dr. Art Mollen is an osteopathic family physician and a health, fitness and preventive medicine expert. Reach him at 480-656-0016 or askdrartmollen@gmail.com.
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