Introduction To Weight Management Medications

A number of weight loss specific medications are on the market today.  Many of the weight loss medications work by suppressing the appetite (such as Meridia and Phentermine) and blocking the absorption of fat which prevent it from being digested (such as Xenical). 

Obesity and weight loss medications are typically recommended for:

• Those individuals that have a body mass index (BMI) of 30+.
• Those individuals that have a BMI of 27+ in conjunction with medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Those individuals that suffer from an eating disorder. 

Whatever the case, weight loss medications are not a total panacea.  While some medications have found success, it has been limited.  They can often have undesirable side effects and very often must be taken for life. 

Many doctors will not prescribe medications for weight loss unless they have been specifically approved by the FDA with a weight loss designation.  When long term clinical trials for non-approved uses have not been done, doctors may find themselves at risk for law suits.  After what happened with Phen/Fen in the 1990's, doctors are even more cautious.  

Help For Those With Eating Disorders

One possible cause of obesity is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes a food addiction disorder, or an eating disorder.  People who suffer from these disorders are obsessed with the thought of food and never really feel satiated.  Some even wake up in the middle of the night with the compelling need to eat. If you think that you might suffer from an eating disorder, you may want to consider speaking with your doctor.

Some doctors are successfully using the combined medications of Topamax and Phentermine to help patients take control of their food obsession and lose weight.  Topamax, while not manufactured specifically for weight loss, impacts the part of the brain that controls addictions.  For people with eating disorders, Topamax is often considered a miracle drug.  It can literally feel like a switch is turned off in your brain.  People taking Topamax report that they still get hungry, still eat, and still have some cravings, but can do so in a more normal manner.  Clinical trials are currently under way to evaluate the combination of Zoloft and Topamax, Wellbutrin and Topamax, and Topamax and Phentermine.  Many patients have already been prescribed these medications "off-label" and have been able to successfully lose weight and maintain weight loss. 

Sources:

Fighting Fat New Frontiers, by Patricia Curtis and printed in Readers Digest