Of all the chronic medical conditions existing in the world, obesity ranks with millions of cases. It has tripled over the last three decades from 1975, nearly a quarter century ago, becoming one of our generation’s major public health concerns. The disorder is close to a variety of life-threatening health risks, such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, strokes, some cancers, and many more. Although lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are the mainstays of obesity treatment, medication will play a significant role for most people in helping them achieve their weight loss goals. This article will cover various classes of antiobesity drugs, how they work, potential benefits and risks, and who may be an appropriate candidate for these medications.
Understanding Obesity and Its Treatment
Obesity is a condition whereby the BMI is 30 or more. It results from excess storage of body fats, and genetic and environmental factors and behavioral causes cause the buildup. Since earlier treatments of obesity include dietary measures, exercise, and behavioral modification, drugs are proper therapy for those who cannot be treated with such measures alone.
Types of Medications for Obesity
Such management for obesity requires multiple approaches, and it is a very chronic condition. At the core of weight management lifestyles lie diet and exercise; most people can use these interventions. When these interventions fail, additional reinforcement for healthy weight from medications also exists. Obesity medications can be prescribed when lifestyle alterations alone are not enough on their own and are optimally effective when used over time in conjunction with long-term behavioral changes.
The FDA approves numerous drugs for weight loss. These drugs have different mechanisms of action to address various factors that contribute to obesity, such as modulation of appetite, fat absorption, and energy expenditure.
We will talk later about the main classes of obesity drugs
The main classes of obesity drugs are mainly intended to help people lose weight and improve health results. These drugs work in different mechanisms targeting different factors that cause obesity. Some drugs block the appetite; thus, it becomes easier for one to eat less and reduce calorie intake. Others work by blocking fat absorption, ensuring the body does not absorb part of the fat in food.
Other drugs control the urge to eat and become satisfied through modification of signals that control appetite and feelings of fullness in the brain. There are different obesity medicines within the classes, benefits, and potential side effects. Thus, medication will depend on an individual’s health, weight loss goals, and pre-existing medical conditions.
Weight loss medicines are most effective with lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet and exercise. Medications are generally reserved for patients who are unlikely to lose a clinically significant amount of weight on a lifestyle-only intervention or those whose obesity is associated with comorbid conditions. In the next section, we will briefly discuss the classes of obesity medication, mechanisms, and potential groups of patients likely to benefit.
When to Take Weight Loss Medications?
Medications used in weight loss should come in when lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, don’t yield considerable weight or health benefits. Though weight loss medications are not considered the first treatments, they are appropriate when lifestyle changes do not provide the desired outcome. Weight loss medications may be prescribed if the patient fails to attain a minimum reduction of 5% body weight after following a consistent diet and exercise plan for six months. Other conditions when the person’s BMI stands at 27 or above with associated conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or heart disease.
It is even modestly improved when a 5-10% reduction in body weight is attained. Finally, if a patient has a BMI of 30 or higher and is classified under the obese category, weight loss medication is more often required as other means of management fail to yield satisfactory weight reduction and reduced risk of health conditions. Weight loss drugs are best used in conjunction with a treatment plan that involves lifestyle modification, which will maximize the chance of long-term success. A healthcare provider should always prescribe weight loss medicines and regularly follow up on them to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Obesity is a psychophysical condition that plagues individuals. Lifestyle modifications remain the cornerstone in weight management, but pharmacologic intervention may be used to complement those who cannot lose weight on their own. Knowing the variety of obesity drugs and their mechanisms of action can empower these individuals with the ability to make informed choices about their treatments. For a good long-term outcome, medications should be part of an overall weight management program that includes diet, exercise, and behavior changes. A patient should always see a doctor before deciding on a treatment program.
