What to Know Before You Start Weight Loss Medications

What You Need to Know Before Starting a Weight Loss Medication

Medications are not the first-line solution for weight loss. They are not suitable for everyone and, aside from benefits, have potential side effects. However, these medications can be helpful for some people and significantly support them in achieving their wellness goals.

Whether you are starting your weight loss journey or want to optimize your current plan, read this article to learn how these medicines work. This will help you have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider.

A Basic Overview of Weight Loss Medications

Anti-obesity medications help people lose weight. Their mechanisms of action differ: some work by preventing fat absorption while others reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness and satiety. Some of the most commonly prescribed options are the following:

1. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): It works by blocking the enzyme lipase and thus inhibits dietary fat absorbed in the intestines. It is usually taken with high-fat meals and is available by prescription (Xenical) and over-the-counter (Alli).
2. Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira): It is an appetite suppressor that also affects the central nervous system. It is usually prescribed for temporary use and should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
3. Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia): In this combined medication, topiramate promotes fullness and phentermine controls appetite. It can be prescribed for long-term weight management.
4. Liraglutide (Saxenda): This medication is an agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. It is available as an injection that improves blood sugar regulation and suppresses appetite.
5. Semaglutide (Wegovy): Also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide is similar to the above-mentioned liraglutide. It is typically given as a weekly injection. Consider the medication Semaglutide (Wegovy), which, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is frequently prescribed as a weekly injection. Due to its unique mechanism, it functions similarly to liraglutide yet has its specific considerations; thus, it’s vital to understand both its benefits and Wegovy side effects before making informed decisions with your healthcare provider.
6. Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave): This combination medication contains bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, which is used to treat alcohol and opioid addictions. When combined, they lessen hunger and regulate cravings.
7. Mounjaro: Although it is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, healthcare providers can prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss off-label because of its weight-reduction properties.

How to Know If You Qualify for Weight Loss Medication

Losing weight is always associated with a comprehensive approach. A clinician may recommend certain lifestyle changes, talk therapy sessions, and other solutions before referring to pharmacological support. Also, some health features can influence a decision. That is why an initial medical checkup is important. It may include the following:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare professional should calculate body mass index measurements (BMI) and conduct a general physical examination to understand body fat distribution and waist circumference distribution. Usually, weight loss medications are recommended for people with a BMI of 30 or higher (or 27 and higher if there are any obesity-related health conditions).
• A Review of Medical History: Share your medical history with a clinician, especially if you have chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Discuss whether there is a history of obesity-related illnesses running in the family, any prior attempts and results at losing weight, and your current supplements and medicine regimen.
• Laboratory Tests: A healthcare provider may recommend evaluating blood glucose levels (for prediabetes and diabetes screening), lipid profile (cholesterol levels), and liver function before prescribing medication.

Based on the assessment results, your healthcare provider can recommend weight loss medication or another solution for achieving your health goals.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Weight Loss Journey

Setting realistic expectations is essential for reducing stress. Remember that even with medication, you have to make certain changes to your lifestyle, such as having a healthy diet and implementing regular physical activity into your daily routine. Moreover, it’s important to stick to these changes after stopping medication to maintain the achieved results.

Note that you may need follow-up appointments with your doctor. They are not only needed for prescription management if you get prescribed medication but also for detailed monitoring of your progress and addressing concerns. Whenever you experience side effects from medicines or other adverse reactions because of the chosen weight loss plan, discuss it promptly.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Weight Loss Medications

Despite being a valuable tool for controlling obesity and related health concerns, weight loss medications have some possible adverse effects and risks.

Possible Side Effects

• Digestive problems (frequent bowel motions, discharge from gas, greasy or fatty stools)
• Stomach ache
• Elevated heart rate
• Lack of sleep
• Anxiety or agitation
• Dry lips
• Constipation
• Tingling in the feet and hands
• Dizziness
• Altered taste
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Possible Risks

• Possible low level of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)
• Rare instances of liver injury
• Heightened blood pressure
• Possibility of misuse or dependence
• Heart problems (in individuals with pre-existing problems)
• Birth defects (if the medication was taken while pregnant)
• Gastrointestinal pancreatitis
• Renal issues
• Elevated heart rate

Not everyone experiences side effects and other potential health issues, but it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice any disturbing changes in your health.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Weight Loss Medications

1. Discuss qualification criteria to learn if you need weight loss medication or if other options are more suitable and safer.
2. Explore different types of weight loss medicines, including their mechanisms of action, short-term and long-term effects, possible side effects, contraindications, and other parameters.
3. Learn more about the duration of treatment, how soon you can see the initial results, what can affect the results positively and negatively, and how to maintain weight once you stop the medication.
4. Define the optimal frequency of your follow-up appointments. Learn what events require immediate attention and what happens if you stop medication.
5. Discuss costs and insurance coverage options.

Final Words

Noticeable weight loss requires time. Stay committed by following a diet and exercise program and monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose if required. Also, make sure that losing weight does not adversely impact your mental health, and seek professional support if you have any concerns.

Want to unlock greater wellness?

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