Obesity is a complex disease. The term obese describes a person who is very overweight and has a lot of body fat. There are many reasons why a person might be prone to having excess weight, and obesity is often a combination of inherited factors, certain diseases and medications, environmental factors, and diet and exercise choices.

Obesity and excess weight is a very common problem, 73.6 percent of adults in the United States are considered overweight (BMI of 25-30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more).

It’s important to take steps to tackle obesity because it can lead to a number of serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as: stroke, hypertension, coronary and congestive heart disease, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, various cancers, asthma, backpain and osteoarthritis.

The good news is, that even losing a modest amount of weight can improve or prevent health problems. And you are not alone, you can work with your Dario coach to achieve your weight loss goals and talk to your doctor to evaluate your weight-loss options.

What are the criteria for pharmacological treatment of obesity?

Losing excess weight takes time, commitment, and lots of support from friends and family. If you have tried diet and exercise and haven’t been able to lose weight, your doctor may consider you a suitable candidate for weight-loss medications if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2.
  • BMI >27 kg/m2 with serious medical condition related to obesity.

What is important to know about drug treatment for obesity?

The use of weight loss drugs is in addition to, and not in place of, diet and exercise. Lifestyle modification is the key to success and always wins. Regular monitoring of your weight, setting realistic goals, and getting help and support from friends and family will help to reach your weight-loss goals.

When combined with lifestyle changes, prescription weight-loss drugs can produce significant weight loss.

  • Obesity medications can help change habits and preserve long-term results.
  • If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and are not having serious side effects, your doctor may suggest that you stay on the medication long-term.
  • If you do not lose at least 5 percent of your body weight after 12 weeks on the full dose of your medication, your doctor may change your treatment plan or consider using a different weight-loss medication.
  • After stopping weight-loss medication, many people gain back some of the weight they lost. However, adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help limit weight gain.
  • Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant or women who are breast-feeding should not use weight-loss medication.
  • Mild side effects, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, are common, but may lessen over time.
  • Weight-loss drugs can be expensive and are not always paid for by insurance.

Who is a candidate for weight-loss drugs?

  • Being overweight or obese with metabolic complications and have managed to lose weight but have difficulty maintaining the weight-loss.
  • Tried diet and exercise but have not been able to achieve significant weight loss.
  • Managed to lose weight and interested in continuing to lose more.
  • After bariatric surgery and need to lose further weight or want to maintain the weight-loss.

Approved drugs for the treatment of obesity:

Most prescription weight-loss drugs (exception Orlistat) work by decreasing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, and some do both.

  • Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) combination drug: decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda) combination drug: decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
  • Orlistat (Xenical): blocks the absorption of dietary fat.

Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): a combination of an anticonvulsant (topiramate) and a weight-loss drug. Approved for short-term use (less than 12 weeks)

Things to be aware of

The decision to start drug therapy should carefully weigh the risk of therapy (potential adverse effects) versus the benefits of potential weight loss.

It’s important to start your weight-loss journey with a plan, and if possible, a support network. Having friends and family who are supportive of your healthy eating and exercise goals is important for your long-term success. Your Dario coach is also here to support you via phone or chat to help you get started and cheer you along the way!

References

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/ healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832
  2. https://care.diabetes journals.org/content/ 43/Supplement_1/S89
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/ nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm

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