Prescription Weight Loss / Diet Pills

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.

There are very few proven choices in over-the-counter (OTC) or nonprescription medications for effective weight loss. One agent that is available without a prescription is Alli (orlistat), a lower-dose version of the prescription drug Xenical. Many people who are trying to lose weight may attempt to use dietary supplements or herbal medications, but many of these products have not been adequately studied for effectiveness or safety.

• 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.

Prescription weight loss drugs may be an option for patients who have serious health risks, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol and cannot control their weight with diet and exercise alone. Weight loss drugs should not be used as a substitute for healthful eating and a regular exercise program.

• 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.

Most weight loss drugs that suppress the appetite are known as anorexiants. Some weight loss drugs contain stimulant medication that are scheduled controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency. In 2012, the FDA approved the first two new weight loss drugs in over a decade