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Weight-loss drugs: Can a prescription help you lose weight?
Weight-loss drugs can improve your health, if used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Find out if you could benefit from taking these medications.
By Mayo Clinic staffWeight-loss drugs may sound like a dieter's dream. But they aren't a good choice for everyone who's overweight. In fact, many doctors reserve them for people with weight-related health problems.
It's best to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise. But if you're among those who struggle to lose weight and the excess weight has produced medical problems, weight-loss drugs may be able to help you.
Are you a candidate?
Prescription weight-loss drugs aren't intended for people who just want to lose a few pounds for cosmetic reasons. They're generally reserved for people who are unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and often have health problems as a result.
Your doctor may consider you a candidate for medication treatment if these criteria apply:
- Other methods of weight loss haven't worked for you.
- Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 27 and you have medical complications of obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
- Your BMI is greater than 30.
Common weight-loss drugs
Two prescription drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term weight loss. These drugs work in different ways and cause different side effects.
| Drug | Typical initial dosage | Estimated cost (30-day supply) | Common side effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sibutramine (Meridia) | 5 to 15 milligrams (mg) once a day | $112 to $213 | Increased blood pressure, headache, dry mouth, constipation and insomnia |
| Orlistat (Xenical) | 120 mg three times a day | $132 to $380 | Frequent oily bowel movements, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain |
Though not prescribed as often, several medications, such as phentermine (Adipex-P), are approved for short-term use. These drugs suppress appetite, but haven't been the subject of many long-term studies. When used for a short time — generally less than 12 weeks — the medications usually lead to only temporary weight loss. Side effects of these drugs include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and lightheadedness.
Alli is the reduced-strength version of orlistat (Xenical). It's approved for over-the-counter sale to overweight adults 18 years and older. Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise. Alli can help you lose weight, but the weight loss likely won't be great — perhaps just a few pounds more than you would lose with diet and exercise alone. Common side effects include diarrhea and gas with oily spotting. You can limit the side effects by eating a low-fat diet.
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