Dr. Angela Eden (MD, MA, Mbus, PhD) has extensive experience in treating patients with weight problems. She understands that many patients turn to the Internet for information, which can be a good starting point. However, she stresses that it’s important to cross-check any information with an expert in order to arrive at the best treatment plan. In this article, she answers nine frequently asked questions about weight loss medication.
9 frequently asked questions and answers about weight loss medication
1. Who can use weight loss medications?
We, as healthcare professionals, use BMI to help decide whether a patient might benefit from weight management medications. Of course, we also take other factors into account, such as your medical history, lifestyle choices and weight loss goal.
It's crucial to understand that weight loss medications are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. They should always be combined with exercise and a balanced diet.
2. How do weight loss medications work?
Prescription weight loss medications work in different ways to treat weight issues and obesity.
Most medications help you feel full faster or suppress appetite. As a result, your calorie intake decreases. If you consume fewer calories, then over time this will lead to weight loss.
3. What types of weight loss medications are available? Are there any other options besides pills?
There are two main types of weight loss medications: oral medications (pills or capsules) and injectable medications.
4. Are weight loss medications safe? Is there a way to check this?
Before they receive market authorisation, all weight loss drugs are assessed for effectiveness and safety. In Europe, this is the responsibility of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In the UK, this is done by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and in the US this is done by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These regulatory medical bodies publish updates on approved medications. Doctors have the responsibility to be aware of all published warnings and precautions and must prescribe accordingly.
Weight loss medications are safe when taken responsibly and as directed by a doctor.
5. How often and how long can patients use weight loss medications?
Some weight loss medications that suppress patients' appetite are approved for use for up to 12 weeks. Depending on the patient’s specific situation, they can be prescribed for longer than 12 weeks. For those who have lost enough weight to improve their health and have not experienced any serious side effects, the doctor might suggest taking the weight loss drug long term.
It's important to know that it's not safe to stop taking your weight loss medication abruptly. Abrupt cessation can cause withdrawal symptoms, which is why I always highly recommend consulting your doctor first.
6. What can you expect from treatment with weight loss medications?
Is there anything you should be aware of?
Weight loss medications rarely cause serious side effects if taken in the right way.
Potential side effects vary per medication and how it works in the body. Most side effects are mild and usually go away as your body gets used to the medication. In rare cases, serious side effects may occur. Like all medicines, weight loss medications can cause side effects if not taken as directed.
7. What happens when you stop taking weight loss medications? How can weight gain be avoided?
In addition to using weight loss medication, it is also advisable to seek professional assistance from a dietitian or a psychologist if your goal is to achieve sustainable, long-term results.
Having a structured way of eating, weighing yourself consistently and regular exercise and other forms of physical activity, like going for frequent walks, are simple and effective things you can do to prevent weight gain.
8. What tips should everyone who uses weight loss medications know?
Share information and experiences. Give each other self-care tips and advice on how to deal with taboos.
These four pillars should be taken into account: diet, exercise, behaviour therapy and medication. The most important part of weight loss is perseverance. Don’t give up on yourself!
9. Where can you go with questions or complaints about weight loss medications?
Any questions or complaints can be directed to medical professionals, such as doctors, dietitians and nutritionists, all of whom are specialists on the subject.
We would like to thank Dr. Eden for her time.