A Little Extra Help: How Weight Loss Medication Can Help You

The advice that is often given to those who want to lose weight is pretty simple: exercise more and eat less. On the other hand, new anti-obesity drugs have only lately been available on the market, giving those in need a new option that has not been available in the past. Medications for weight reduction are not appropriate for everyone. Only persons who are obese should consider using these drugs.

Defining Obesity and It’s Connotations

The Body Mass Index range that is considered to be overweight is between 25 to 30. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more is considered to be obese. By calculating your body mass index (NIH external link), you may find out whether you are at a healthy weight, if you are obese, or if you have severe obesity, all of which can increase your risk of developing health problems. Your doctor will likely do an assessment to determine the particular risks associated with having a high body mass index.

If you are having difficulties keeping control of your weight, adopting a healthy eating plan and engaging in regular physical activity may help you reduce your weight and ensure that it stays off for good. If the aforementioned changes to your lifestyle are not adequate to assist you in losing weight or maintaining the loss, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to you as part of your weight-control program.

Individuals who are not only overweight but also suffer from diseases such as high blood pressure or heart disease as a result of their excess weight may also benefit from the use of drugs. These illnesses are brought on by the individual’s additional weight.

Scare Tactics and Horror Stories

It’s possible that you’ve heard some unpleasant tales about older weight loss medications. Both dexfenfluramine and fenfluramine were taken off the market when it was discovered that they caused damage to the heart valves. However, if you take a prescription and are able to lose five percent of your total body weight in a matter of months without experiencing any unfavorable side effects, you should most likely continue taking the medication. Nevertheless, substituting medication use for lifestyle adjustments is not a viable option. They are most effective when used in conjunction with a broader, medically supervised program for weight reduction. They need to be a modest component of a lifelong plan that includes managing stress, eating a balanced diet, regularly exercising, and getting the necessary amount of rest.

Not for Everyone

It is not appropriate to utilize weight loss medication for the sole purpose of improving one’s appearance. People who suffer health problems as a consequence of being overweight or obese are the intended recipients of these products. Your doctor may recommend medication for you if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above or if you have a condition that is related to your weight, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or sleep apnea.

There are certain places and clinics that help patients and clients manage their weight through a combination of medication therapy and physical exercise. One notable clinic is Ivím Health  With the health of doctors, PAs, health coaches, and other experts, this clinic and beneficiary app has made it easy for patients to keep up with their medication, appointments and other important medical information, both via telehealth and digitally on the app. With more features to come and expanding services Ivím is here to help those who are committed to going on a journey to improve their health and improve their quality of life.

Marsha Martin