Weight loss drugs are medications used to promote weight loss in severely obese individuals and people at risk for obesity-related health conditions. When combined with a healthy, calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise, weight loss drugs can improve a person's weight and overall health. An understanding of various weight loss drugs may help a person and her doctor determine whether the potential benefits of a particular drug are worth the potential risks.
Types
Numerous prescription medications that enhance weight loss are available, including sibutramine, phentermine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, orlistat, bupropion, metformin, topiramate and zonisamide. According to the Mayo Clinic, diethylpropion, orlistat, phentermine and sibutramine are commonly used for weight loss. Alli is an over-the-counter weight loss medication, similar to orlistat.
Function
Weight loss drugs function in various ways. According to the Weight-control Information Network, or WIN, sibutramine, phentermine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine are used to reduce a person's appetite, which may enhance reduced caloric intake and keep food cravings at bay. Orlistat and Alli are lipase inhibitors, meaning they reduce the body's ability to absorb certain amounts of fat.
Bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin, is an anti-depressant that affects dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, which may lead to weight loss. Topiramate and zonisamide also affect the brain and are used primarily as anti-seizure medications; both may also promote weight loss. Though bupropion, topiramate and zonisamide may lead to weight loss, they are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss purposes. Overweight individuals who take them for other reasons may reap the added benefit of weight reduction.
Effectiveness
Weight loss medications affect people differently. According to WIN, weight loss drugs result in an average 10 pounds weight loss above what a person might attain without medication. A person may lose an estimated five to 11 pounds more than he or she would from diet and exercise alone through use of orlistat or sibutramine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Effectiveness hinges greatly on a person's ability and willingness to commit to a reduced calorie diet and, often, increased physical activity.
Side Effects
As with all medications, weight loss drugs may cause side effects. Sibutramine and phentermine may cause stimulant effects, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness and difficulty sleeping. Diethylpropion may trigger dizziness, headache, insomnia and nervousness. Phendimetrazine has also been linked with insomnia and nervousness. Orlistat and Alli may cause gas, anal leakage, gas and diarrhea. According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects of orlistat may be minimized by following the recommended low-fat dietary plan. The same is true regarding Alli.
Benefits
All weight loss medications can lead to health benefits beyond improved weight. Though additional research is needed to determine the specific health benefits of weight loss medications, even modest weight loss attained through use of the drugs can lead to reduced blood pressure and improved cholesterol and blood sugar, or glucose, levels. Healthy weight management is also associated with reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke and certain forms of cancer.
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