Weight loss drugs

The purpose of this guide is to provide information on popular weight loss drugs. people who have difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone,there are a number of FDA-approved prescription weight loss drugs that may help."On average, individuals who use weight loss drugs lose about 5 percent to 10 percent of their original weight, though some will lose less and some more," says the FDA's Colman.

Short term weight loss drugs include: Bontril (phendimetrazine tartrate), Desoxyn (methamphetamine) and Ionamin and Adipex-P (phentermine). Prescription weight loss drugs are approved only for those with a BMI of 30 and above, or 27 and above if they have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.People should contact a doctor before using any kind of drug, including a weight loss drug.

Drug treatment may be necessary to induce weight loss and weight maintenance.Two medications currently are approved for long-term weight loss treatment: sibutramine and orlistat.Phentermine, a noradrenergic agent, is approved for short-term as a weight loss drug.

Orlistat (Xenical), Roche Laboratories' new obesity treatment, has been approved for obesity management when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. Orlistat is intended for use in obese patients with an initial body mass index greater than or equal to 30, or greater than or equal to 27 when accompanied by risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The Xenical weight loss drug is also indicated to reduce the risk of subsequent weight regain.