According to the Weight Control Information Center, weight-loss drugs are only recommended for people with a BMI of 30 or more. Those with a medical condition such as diabetes and a BMI of 27 or more can sometimes be prescribed these drugs as well. Over-the-counter weight loss pills are highly ineffective, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 1
Ask your doctor for a lipase inhibitor prescription if your diet is high in fat. Lipase inhibitors decrease the ability of your body to process and absorb fat. Instead of being absorbed, excess fat will pass through, thus reducing the amount of calories you take in.
Step 2
Try a nonprescription drug if you’re only trying to lose a few pounds. Alli is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss drug on the market. Alli is a low-dose lipase inhibitor. According to the Mayo Clinic, no reliable evidence exists that products such as bitter orange, chitosan, chromium and hoodia have any positive effect on weight loss.
Step 3
Ask your doctor about an alternative prescription. A number of drugs prescribed to treat other medical conditions can cause weight loss. The Weight Control Information Center mentions four drugs that cause weight loss as a secondary effect. The antidepressant drug bupropion and the diabetes-treatment drug metformin are sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Topiramate and zonisamide, used to treat seizures, can also be prescribed for weight loss.
Step 4
Reduce the amount of calories you eat. The drugs are meant to accelerate weight loss, but they won’t work if you don’t change the way you eat. A low-fat diet and regular exercise are still needed to lose weight. If your doctor doesn’t provide you with a diet plan to follow, try the recommendations provided by the FDA’s Food Pyramid.
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