Weight loss medications are an important tool in the weight management toolkit. However, they are effective ONLY when used in addition to a Lifestyle Modification program. Nutrition, exercise, and behavior are the three core components of a lifestyle modification program.
Currently there are several medications that are approved by the FDA for weight-loss:
- phentermine products (Adipex-P® or Lomaira®)*
- orlistat (Xenical® or alli®)†
lorcaserin HCI (Belviq®)†(Recently taken off the list by FDA)- naltrexone HCI AND bupropion HCI (CONTRAVE®)†
- phentermine- topiramate ER (Qsymia®)†
- liraglutide injection (Saxenda®)†
*Approved for short term use
†Approved for chronic(long term) use
Above weight loss medications should be prescribed by a provider who specializes in Obesity treatment and understands their efficacy and side effects. Frequent visits (every 3 to 4 weeks) are recommended initially to review efficacy and side effects of these medications. Also, review of lifestyle modification program is recommended to ensure that initial weight-loss goal (5 to 10 percent of body weight) is achieved. At that point, less frequent visits are typically scheduled as needed for individual patients. However, since obesity is considered a chronic life-long problem for many individuals, periodic continual follow-up is recommended.
The best weight-loss results are achieved with a comprehensive program involving physicians, dietitians and behavioral specialists providing individual guidance and treatment. Most importantly, the major weight-loss benefit is the improvement of diseases caused by obesity. Although weight-loss achieved by diet, exercise and weight loss medications seems modest, research has shown that weight-loss as low as 5 percent of initial body weight can lead to favorable improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Weight loss of 5-10 % can lead to improvement in chronic pain, sleep apnea, acid reflux, mood, and overall quality of life.
At GOM your comprehensive plan will include an initial assessment visit with a Doctor. A personalized plan based on your metabolic and lifestyle factors will be created. Based on your progress and weight loss goals weight loss medications may be prescribed as part of your personalized plan. GOM’s team of experts will be your guide throughout the program and will assist you in reaching your weight loss and health goals. To find out more visit GOMHEALTH.COM and schedule a Free Consultation with one of our weight loss experts.