Have you ever wondered if there was something extra you could do to help jumpstart your weight loss efforts? Many people try various over the counter weight loss aids as well as prescription medications for weight loss. While this is a complex topic, I will share some basic thoughts here.

 

It is important to understand that most weight loss medications are temporary aids to weight loss. This applies to both over the counter and some prescription weight loss medications. This is because many of the metabolic stimulants used for weight loss only seem to work for a few months when used continuously, then lose their effectiveness. The brain adjusts to the presence of metabolic stimulants fairly quickly. In Ohio, physicians are permitted only to prescribe these medications for up to 12 weeks. Despite these limitations, these medications can be powerful aids for weight loss when combined with a program of daily physical activity, behavior modification, and nutritional education. Since these medications can stimulate the metabolism (possibly raising heart rate and blood pressure), they have to be used only in persons who can safely take them after proper screening.

 

On the flip side of the coin, many commonly prescribed medications cause weight gain. Anti-depressants are the most common culprit. Others include diabetes medications and beta blockers (used for heart disease and high blood pressure). If you are on these medications, don't stop them suddenly without consulting your physician. I often work together with patients referred to our clinic and their primary care physicians to adjust or discontinue these medications.

 

There are only a few medications approved for long term use for weight loss. These include Meridia and Xenical (the prescription strength form of Ally). While these medications work more slowly, they have a valuable role in preserving weight loss.