Is Medical Weight Loss Safe?
According to NCBI, obesity is among the most prevalent problems related to diet in the USA. It is known to cause other complications such as hypertension, cardiovascular, and some forms of cancers.
If you are obese, you are exposed to other life-threatening conditions. It is no wonder that people try all means to deal with it. If you have attempted to diet and exercise to deal with obesity, then medical weight loss can be an option you can explore. However, medical weight loss is not used in place of exercise and diet; it is used together with the two.
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Who can use weight-loss drugs?
Weight loss drugs are safe to use. However, they are only safe for use with a doctor’s prescription.
For instance, it is not safe for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding to use the products.
A doctor can prescribe weight-loss drugs for you, especially if exercises and diet have not been practical. The weight loss drugs are used when your weight puts you at the risk of other conditions such as cardiovascular and hypertension.
Before prescribing weight-loss drugs for you, your doctor must consider certain factors. For instance, they must consider if the medicines can react with other medications you are taking.
They must also consider your drug history and the side effects the drug is likely to have on you.
You qualify to use weight loss drugs if you have a greater body mass index than 30. If your body mass index is greater than 27, and you have a condition such as hypertension, then you qualify to use the drugs.
How do weight-loss drugs work?
Medications used in treating obesity and overweight work in different ways. For instance, some will work by inhibiting the absorption of fats from the foods that you eat. Others will make you feel less hungry, while others will make you feel full faster.
Tips for taking weight loss medication
- You shouldn’t depend on weight loss medications only. It would help if you combined them with a healthydiet and exercise.
- Weight loss drugs are not for everyone. You should follow your doctor’s instructions before using them. For instance, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t use the weight loss drugs. The same applies if you are planning on becoming pregnant.
- When you start using the drugs, monitor your use for at least 12 weeks. If you don’t lose weight within that period, consult your doctor to know if you should continue using the medication.
- If you are using other drugs for any other condition, let your doctor know before prescribing the weight loss medications. These include any supplements or vitamins that you may be taking.
- There are lots of vendors for weight loss drugs and products in physical stores and online. Don’t buy your medicines from any other dealer you find. Instead, get the drugs from an approved distributor or pharmacy recommended by your doctor.
What you need to know before using weight loss drugs
Drugs used in the weight loss process are costly, and they are catered for by insurance. Before you can decide to start the medication, check with your insurance to see their medication payment policy.
Secondly, after you use the weight loss medication together with a healthy diet and exercise, and there are positive results, don’t give up on any.
Additionally, weight loss drugs come with mild side effects, including constipation and nausea. Rarely can you get severe side effects. As such, it would be best if you consult your doctor before using drugs.
How long should you use weight-loss drugs?
How long you can use the drugs depends on whether you get any serious side effects or achieve the purpose of weight loss. If you have lost considerable weight and you are not experiencing any side effects, your doctor can advise you to continue using the drugs.
Your doctor should monitor your progress for at least 12 weeks. If you don’t lose at least 5% of the weight by that time, your doctor will change your medication or change your treatment plan.
After losing weight and some medication, some people gain some weight after stopping the medication. As such, you should continue with a healthy lifestyle so as not to relapse.
Final thoughts
Sometimes, you may try a healthy diet and exercise, and still, you don’t lose weight. This may lead to complications such as high blood pressure. In such instances, your doctor may advise on the use of medications to assist in losing weight.