Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity - Pamphlet

Pamphlet by: National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, March 16, 1998

Q: What dosage of appetite suppressant medication would be right for me?

A: There is no one correct dose for appetite suppressant medications. Your doctor will decide what works best for you based on his or her evaluation of your medical condition and response to treatment.

Q: I only need to lose 10 pounds. Are appetite suppressant medications appropriate for me?

A: Appetite suppressant medications may be appropriate for carefully selected patients who are at significant medical risk because of their obesity. They are not recommended for use by people who are only mildly overweight unless they have health problems that are made worse by their weight. These medications should not be used only to improve appearance.

What to Discuss with Your Doctor Before Choosing Appetite Suppressant Medication Treatment

Before choosing appetite suppressant medication treatment for the long-term management of obesity, you should talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. In addition, it is important that you discuss the following issues with your doctor.

How will I be evaluated to determine if l am an appropriate candidate for appetite suppressant medication treatment?

Your physician will look at a number of factors to determine if you are a good candidate for prescription appetite suppressant medication treatment of obesity. He or she will determine how overweight you are and where your body fat is distributed (see WlN's fact sheet Understanding Adult Obesity for further information). Your doctor may do the following:

* Take a careful medical history and perform a physical examination.

* Look at your personal weight history.

* Ask whether you have relatives with illnesses related to overweight, such as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or heart disease.

* Discuss the methods you have used to lose weight in the past.

* Evaluate your risk for obesity-related health problems by measuring your blood pressure and doing blood tests.

If your doctor determines that you have obesity-related health problems or are at high risk for such problems, and if you have been unable to lose weight or maintain weight loss with nondrug treatment, he or she may recommend that you use prescription appetite suppressant medications. Appetite suppressant medications may be appropriate for carefully selected patients who are at significant medical risk because of their obesity. They are not recommended for people who are only mildly overweight unless they have health problems that are made worse by their weight. These medications should not be used only to improve appearance.

What other medical conditions or medications might influence my decision to take an appetite suppressant medication ?

It is important that you notify your physician if you have any of the following medical conditions:

* Pregnancy or breast-feeding

* History of drug or alcohol abuse

* History of an eating disorder

* History of depression or manic depressive disorder

* Use of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or antidepressant medications