Prescription weight loss pills, also called anti-obesity drugs or “diet
pills”, are sometimes prescribed to a patient as an additional tool in
the treatment for weight loss.
Additional tools to medication treatment usually include a plan for
lower fat and calorie foods, as well as a regular exercise program.
- Patients who are overweight or obese with any health condition should consult with their physician prior to beginning a weight loss or exercise program.
- Herbal or dietary supplements have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. Check with a healthcare provider for advice on using herbal or dietary supplements for weight loss.
- Over one year, patients using weight loss drugs may lose roughly 5 to 10 percent of their initial weight when used as part of a diet and exercise plan.