Non-surgical weight loss treatments, like medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can make it easier for some people to lose excess weight. Getting rid of excess weight on your body can be quite a challenge when you have a slow metabolism.
An endomorph is a person who gains weight quickly and struggles with weight loss. Such people may benefit from non-surgical weight loss medications that speed up their metabolism and promote fat loss.
Non-surgical weight loss with medication
Diet and exercise are the two main components of a healthy weight loss program. FDA-approved drugs for weight loss should only be used as a complement to a diet and exercise program. A healthcare provider might recommend prescription medication for weight loss if you have tried dieting and exercise with no success.
The ideal candidate for such drugs has a body mass index (BMI) over 30 or a BMI over 27 coupled with health conditions like diabetes. The doctor will go over the patient’s medical history and educate the patient about how these weight loss drugs work and any adverse effects.
How long the patient will have to take these drugs varies based on factors like whether the patient has reached their goal and any side effects the medication has on their body. Patients who do not have any adverse reactions to the medication might be allowed to take it indefinitely. Some of the medications currently approved for medical weight loss by the FDA include:
1. Bupropion-naltrexone
This combines two active ingredients to help with weight loss. Naltrexone is typically used to treat chemical dependencies like opioid or alcohol addictions. Bupropion is used as a smoking cessation aid and antidepressant. The chemical helps to speed up the patient’s metabolism, speeding up fat loss. It does come with some unfavorable potential side effects like constipation, headache, and nausea. It also has a suicide risk warning.
Naltrexone helps people lose weight by combining a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with an opioid receptor antagonist to make an extended-release tablet. It works well when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Naltrexone combined with exercise and diet has been shown to lead to significant weight loss compared to exercise and diet with a placebo. Some of the main side effects of this drug include nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
2. Liraglutide
This drug is mainly used to manage diabetes, but it can also help with weight loss. Unlike most FDA-approved weight-loss drugs that are taken orally, liraglutide is administered via injection. The prominent complaint people have about the medication is feeling nauseated.
Liraglutide helps improve the body’s ability to regulate glucose levels, and it can also help reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. The drug also helps patients lose weight, especially when combined with a diet and exercise program.
3. Orlistat
This drug is available as a prescription or over-the-counter product. The version sold to the public has a reduced concentration of orlistat. It helps to speed up metabolism, and it can increase weight loss by over 5%. The side effects associated with orlistat include liver damage, loose stools, and gastrointestinal issues. Consuming a low-fat diet while taking this medication can help to reduce these side effects.
Orlistat is typically available over the counter and via prescription. It is used to help overweight people who might also have health issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease. Orlistat also helps to keep weight off after losing it. It falls under the group of drugs known as lipase inhibitors, and it works by blocking the fats in foods consumed from being absorbed by the intestines. As a result, some of the calories in food consumed go unused, making it easier to lose weight. Orlistat is typically taken orally three times a day with each meal. Patients are usually allowed to skip a pill if the meal being consumed does not contain any fat.
4. Phentermine-topiramate
This is another combination drug that promotes weight loss by speeding up metabolism. Side effects include constipation, insomnia, and high blood pressure. The topiramate also increases the risk of congenital disabilities.
Phentermine capsules are taken orally, and they are typically recommended for overweight or obese patients with weight-related medical problems. The drug works by decreasing the patient’s appetite, so they consume fewer calories. Phentermine is most effective when combined with an exercise program.
We can help you to reach your goals with non-surgical weight loss treatment
Some people need a little extra help to reach their fitness goals. FDA-approved non-surgical weight loss drugs increase your metabolism, making it easier for your body to burn fat as you make a healthy diet and exercise part of your lifestyle. Give us a call or stop by our Las Vegas clinic to set up an appointment.
Get more information about Unicorn Medical Weight Loss & Medi Spa in Las Vegas at Unicornmedispa.com
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