Morbid obesity increases a teen's risk for depression, heart disease and other life-threatening conditions. According to the Obesity Action Coalition, morbid obesity refers to body weight that exceeds a person's ideal weight by at least 100 lbs. Weight-loss medications provide a valuable option for teens who are unable to lose weight through conventional means and for those at high-risk for obesity-related health problems. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor.
Sibutramine (Meridia)
Sibutramine (Meridia) is an appetite suppressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of obesity in youth over the age of 16. According to research published by the Rhode Island Medical Society in 2009, when combined with additional treatments, such as behavioral and nutritional counseling, sibutramine has been shown to improve treatment for children and teens struggling with obesity. The Mayo Clinic suggests that most people who take the drug for weight loss lose roughly five to 10 percent of their starting body weight after one year. Side effects may include rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, constipation, headaches, dry mouth and insomnia.
Orlistat (Xenical)
Orlistat (Xenical) blocks some of the fat and nutrients from being absorbed in the the digestive system. Unabsorbed fat is depleted through stool. Since some nutrients are lost in the process, nutritional supplementation may be required while taking Xenical. According to the Weight-control Information Network (WIN), orlistat is FDA approved for people over the age of 12 for use of up to a year. Side effects may include digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, oily discharge and gas. These side effects occur most often after eating high-fat foods or excessive amounts of food. A nutritionally balanced diet, modest in dietary fats, may help prevent these side effects.
Reduced-Strength Orlistat (Alli)
Reduced-strength orlistat (Alli) is an FDA approved over-the-counter weight-loss medication. Children, teens and adults may take it. According to the Mayo Clinic, reduced-strength orlistat works similarly to prescription orlistat, by blocking some fat absorption. Since reduced-strength orlistat is less potent than full-strength orlistat, it may be preferred by parents of morbidly obese teens in search of a milder weight-loss aid. People who experience severe gastrointestinal side effects from regular-strength orlistat may find that they fare better with this over-the-counter rendition. Though a prescription isn't needed for this medication, a doctor's approval and monitoring is suggested. Reduced-strength orlistat is not intended to replace, but rather supplement, other forms of weight-loss treatment, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity. It may cause oily spotting, gas or bloating in some people, particularly after eating excessive amounts of food or fat.
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