We have already discussed in a previous blog post how the drug Phentermine works, so rather than go down that same path, let’s take a step back and take a look at weight loss pills in a more general sense. For those that have pounds they are looking to get rid of but don’t currently have a weight loss plan, a pill like phentermine has proven to be one of those methods of intervention.
Defining Weight Loss Medication
Due to the fact it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (or FDA), patients can feel confident with the effects of weight loss medication such as this one to give them the results they seek.
Though there are exceptions to the rule – such as those with high blood pressure – this option is typically designed for those who have a higher body mass index (BMI) of around 27 or higher.
How They Are Used
As you can imagine, weight loss medication is typically prescribed along with a proper diet and physical exercise regimen. Since there are so many different types of medications available on the market, finding one that will work for you is almost always a possibility and adjusted according to your health history.
Phentermine just so happens to be the most prescribed weight loss medication in the country, due in large part to the aforementioned FDA approval, which is quite stringent. There must be at least two years of data from clinical trials showing that the drug is both safe and effective in losing body fat.
How Weight Loss Medication Works
Almost every FDA-approved weight loss drug works to decrease one’s appetite and increase those feelings of fullness after eating. Generally speaking, when too many calories enter the body, this can start to damage those nerves in the brain that are receiving hormonal signals from the body telling you how much you’ve eaten and how much fat is currently stored.
While eating less can have a positive impact on your body, it may not change your way of thinking; on the other hand, weight loss pills will help change the body’s physiology. The results can prove to be very encouraging – even losing as little as 5% of body weight can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by 50%!
Conclusion
Even if weight loss pills like phentermine have shown results, the goal is to focus on finding ways for you to make lifestyle changes that are far more long-term. As we work towards minimizing the side effects and maximizing the effectiveness of weight loss medication in any given person, you should consider all your options when you’re looking to finally get rid of that unhealthy weight you’re carrying around.
We always recommend speaking to a qualified weight loss physician to ensure you’re getting the proper treatment. Weight loss medication such as phentermine may not be for everyone, so it’s important to have someone you can turn to help you make the right decisions for your overall health and wellness.
BeLite can help patients translate emerging obesity-medicine evidence into an individualized plan that considers efficacy, tolerability, nutrition, muscle preservation, long-term maintenance, and access.BeLite Medical Center has provided physician-supervised medical weight management in Fairfax, Virginia since 1995. Our clinic offers in-person medical supervision — with the ability to adjust medications and monitor your progress in real time — that fully virtual services cannot match.Booking appointments is simple with our online scheduling portal, available 24/7. You can also call or text us at (703) 359-9200, or email belitemed@gmail.com. We offer free consultations for new patients — if you choose not to enroll, there is no charge. We serve patients across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., the DMV area, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Patients do not sign treatment contracts and can stop coming at any time
Medical Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not intended to substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Readers should not use this information to diagnose or treat a medical or health condition without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any reliance on the information in this blog is at the readers own risk. Individual weight loss results vary based on personal health status and adherence to medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is created by accessing or reading this content.
Reviewed by Richard Rothman, MD, PhD — Medical Director, BeLite Medical Center.
About Richard B Rothman MD, PhD, Medical Director, BeLite Medical Center
Dr. Rothman is the Medical Director of BeLite Medical Center, which has been helping patients lose weight in the Northern Virginia area since 1996. Board certified in Psychiatry, Dr. Rothman earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Virginia in 1982.
