If you are obese, you are at risk of developing serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. While losing weight requires changing your eating and exercise habits, there are products that may be able to help you lose weight and reduce the risks associated with obesity. Talk to your doctor to develop a weight-loss plan and to see if any of these products is right for you.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription weight-loss drugs are designed to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan. If your body mass index, or BMI, is over 30, then you may be a candidate for one of these medications. Your doctor may also recommend them if your BMI is over 27 and you have high blood pressure, diabetes or another condition that could be exacerbated by obesity. MayoClinic.com points out that these medications do not work for everyone, and that you may be likely to gain the weight back after you stop taking them. These medications have risks that must outweigh the risks of your obesity. Talk to your doctor about these side effects and risks.
OTC and Herbal Drugs
A trip to the diet supplement aisle at your local pharmacy or discount store proves that weight loss supplements are a big business. But, not only are these products not proved to be effective, they're not even proven to be safe. The Food and Drug Administration does not hold herbal or natural supplements to the same safety standards that prescription drugs are held to. Herbal remedies may have as many serious side effects as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and they may interact with medications that you're currently taking. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal or natural remedies for weight loss.
Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss, or bariatric, surgery is a type of surgery performed on the morbidly obese. You may be a candidate if your BMI is over 40, or if it is over 35 and you have an obesity-related health condition such as diabetes or sleep apnea. Before you have the surgery, you must have evaluations by the surgeon, a dietitian and a mental health specialist to make sure that you will be able to withstand the mental and physical rigors of the procedure. Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, and there are many risks and dangers related to the surgery. Talk to your doctor if you think that weight loss surgery may be an option for you.
Considerations
In evaluating weight loss products for the obese, there are several things that you should consider. If, after considering the product carefully you think it may help you in your quest to lose weight, talk to your doctor about it. Ask yourself if the product seems like a quick fix. It took many months or years for you to put on your excess weight, and it will take time to lose it. If a product claims that you will lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time, it is probably not safe or effective over the long term. If the product states that you can eat as much as you want and still lose weight or that you do not need to exercise, it is probably not safe. Weight loss requires that you eat fewer calories than you burn, regardless of weight-loss products used.
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