Many products claim to aid weight loss. However, when it comes to medication, not many products are approved by the U.S Federal Drug Administration. Always consult your doctor before you use any weight loss medication, and combine medicine with healthy eating habits and a balanced diet for optimal weight loss benefits.
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants are usually only used for short-term weight loss, often for a maximum of 12 weeks. Brand names include Adipex, Bontril, Fastin, Didrex, Ionamin, Melfiat, Meridia, Phentercot and Tenuate. Appetite suppressants cause you to feel full by affecting the release of hormones. Reduced appetite makes you less likely to eat when you don't really need to. Appetite suppressants are prescription medications. According to MayoClinic.com, they are often prescribed during the first few weeks of a weight loss program to help patients develop healthy habits.
Lipase Inhibitors
Lipase inhibitors cause weight loss by reducing fat absorption. It does this by blocking the activity of lipase, an enzyme that helps the body to absorb fat. Orlistat is the primary lipase inhibitor used for weight loss. It is available in prescription form, where it is sold as Xenical. In 2007, the FDA approved the marketing of orlistat in its over-the-counter form, where it is sold under the brand name Alli. Alli is only available to adults older than age 18.
Harmful Products
Always research weight loss products before you purchase them. According to the FDA, more than 70 marketed weight loss products may be potentially harmful to consumers. Because the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements as strictly as drugs, these products are still sold in stores. Many of these products have been found to contain undeclared ingredients, such as sibutramine, a prescription-only controlled substance, and fenproporex, which is not approved for marketing in the United States and can cause abnormal heart rate and even death. Visit the FDA's online list of contaminated weight loss products for medications to avoid.
Other Considerations
Although some medications are approved by the FDA and may cause weight loss, they should not be used to achieve your weight loss goals. These include anti-depressants, seizure medication and diabetes medicines. Keep in mind that most weight loss medications are used to treat obese patients, and are not meant for all people. For optimal safety and effectiveness, always use weight loss medications with your doctor's approval, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Even approved products may cause side effects, such as cramps, gas, diarrhea, anxiety and insomnia.
References
- Weight-control Information Network: Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
- MayoClinic.com: Appetite Suppressant, Sympathomimetic
- PubMed Health: Orlistat; 2010
- U.S. Federal Drug Administration: More Weight Loss Products Added to Consumer Alert; March 2009
- U.S. Federal Drug Administration: Questions and Answers about FDA's Initiative Against Contaminated Weight Loss Products
Member Comments