Do you, as an adult, suffer from serious health issues as a result of your weight? Have diet and exercise been tried, but you weren’t able to lose enough weight? A prescription weight-loss medication might be an option for you if you said yes to any of these questions.
However, you should be aware that best weight loss pills 2022 are used in conjunction with diet and exercise, not in place of them.
Who should consider taking weight-loss medications?
If you haven’t been successful in losing weight through diet and exercise and you fit one of the following criteria, your doctor may recommend a weight-loss medication for you:
- Your BMI is above 30.
- Your BMI is higher than 27 and you suffer from an obesity-related serious medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
How effective are weight-loss medications?
Prescription weight-loss drugs approved for extended use (more than 12 weeks) cause appreciable weight loss in comparison to placebo. Combining weight loss medications with lifestyle changes results in greater weight loss than either change alone.
That can result in a weight loss of 3% to 7% of the body’s total weight over a year in addition to what can be accomplished through lifestyle changes alone. That might seem like a small sum. However, a steady weight loss of 5% to 10% can have significant health advantages, such as lowering triglyceride, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels.
How long is drug treatment effective?
Whether or not a weight-loss medication works for you determines how long you’ll take it. Your doctor might advise you to continue taking the medication indefinitely if you’ve lost enough weight to improve your health and you haven’t experienced any severe side effects.
After three to six months on the recommended dosage of a medication, if you haven’t lost at least 5% of your body weight, your doctor will likely change your treatment and possibly switch you to a different weight-loss medication.
What to know about weight-loss medications
Common mild side effects include nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. They might get better with time. Serious side effects can occasionally happen. It’s crucial to thoroughly go over treatment options with your doctor for this reason.
The cost of weight-loss medications can be high, and insurance may not always cover them. Inquire about coverage from your insurance provider.
When they stop using weight-loss medications, many people put some of the weight they previously lost back on. Adopting healthy lifestyle practices, however, may limit weight gain.
The conclusion
Drugs for weight loss are not a simple solution. However, they might support you in making the necessary lifestyle adjustments to reduce weight and enhance your health.
