As a weight loss expert, I am often asked about who is eligible to take weight loss medications. The answer is not as simple as one might think. There are certain criteria that must be met in order to qualify for these pills, and it's important to understand them before seeking a prescription. According to Dr. Low Wang, determining eligibility for weight-loss medications starts with calculating a person's body mass index (BMI).
A BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity, and a BMI of 27 or higher with additional health risks also qualifies. This means that if you have too much body fat and meet these BMI requirements, you may be eligible for weight loss pills. For adults, a BMI of 30 or higher equates to a weight of 197 pounds or more for someone who is 5 feet 8 inches tall. However, there are also other factors that may affect eligibility, such as chronic weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. The FDA has approved six prescription medications for long-term use in chronic weight control: orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Four of these drugs are approved for adults and children ages 12 or more.
Another medication, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), is only approved for people with specific rare genetic disorders confirmed by genetic testing. It's important to note that not everyone is a candidate for weight-loss medications. In addition to meeting the BMI requirements, individuals must also have a comorbidity, or another obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure. This is because these medications can be costly and may not be covered by insurance. When working with patients, I take a comprehensive approach to treating obesity. This includes lifestyle modifications such as a nutritious diet, exercise, and behavior modification.
We also discuss sleep habits and mental health management, as well as the concept of metabolic adaptation. Metabolic adaptation is our body's natural response to weight loss, where hunger increases and metabolism slows down. To combat this, I recommend maintaining muscle mass and metabolism through adequate protein intake, exercise, and strength training. It's also important to consider the potential side effects of weight-loss medications. While some may cause weight loss, others may cause weight gain or have no effect on weight at all. It's crucial to discuss these options with a healthcare professional and find a treatment plan that works for you. Dr.
Hussain, who specializes in bariatric surgery, believes that the new class of weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy, represents a turning point in the treatment of obesity. These medications have shown promising results in combination with lifestyle changes. In fact, studies have shown that people who take prescription weight-loss medications in addition to following an exercise and healthy eating program lose 3% to 12% more of their starting weight than those who only make lifestyle changes. Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound are currently in the spotlight for their rapid and dramatic results. It's important to note that once you start taking weight-loss medications, it's essential to continue with them as long as they are beneficial and do not cause serious side effects. This is because obesity is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. While GLP-1 RA medications have received a lot of attention, they are just the latest in a long history of evolution in weight-loss medications.
A 17-month study on tirzepatide showed that people taking the highest dose lost an average of over 20% of their body weight. In conclusion, qualifying for weight loss pills is not as simple as having a high BMI. There are other factors to consider, and it's important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. With the right approach, these medications can be a valuable tool in managing obesity and improving overall health.
