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Dr. Art Mollen: Can a medication actually help with obesity? – AZCentral.com

Posted: September 7, 2017 at 9:41 pm

Dr. Art Mollen, Special for The Republic | azcentral.com Published 7:00 a.m. MT Sept. 5, 2017

Fitness: Many medications are helpful and work by blocking hunger pangs in the appetite center of the brain, but diet and exercise must be included

Dr. Art Mollen(Photo: Richard Buchbinder)

There are medications that can help you lose an average of 5 percentto 15 percentof your body weight, improving blood sugar and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Body mass index should ideally be in the range of 18 to 25 for most people. Unfortunately only about 1 percentof patients for whom medications are indicated actually receive a prescription to lose weight. Although, short-term medications may be useful in some cases, there are others approved for long-term use.

For many decades, the most common one has been Phentermine, which suppresses appetite. It is a controlled substance and is approved only for short-term use.

Another is Orlistat, a medication that simply reduces the absorption one-third of the fat you consume. This can be problematic for some because it affects fat-soluble vitamin absorption, such as A, D and E. It is available over-the-counter in a lower dosage called ALLI.

Qsymia is a combination of Phentermine and Topamaxthatworks quite well. Studies have suggested that an average weight loss of up to 15 percentof body weight can be achieved. However, if at least a 3 percentweight loss is not achieved the medication should be discontinued.

Another medication is called Belviq, it works on the receptors in the appetite center of the brain. It averages 8 percentbody weight loss. It also has to be evaluated at 12 weeks to determine whether or not you can continue taking it.

Another medication, Contrave, combines wellbutrin, a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, with naltrexone, a drug used for addiction. It is a particularly useful option for patients who also need to stop smoking.

The final medication is called Saxenda, and it works differently. It is an injectable and is similar to medications used for controlling blood sugar. Seven percent of body weight is the average amount lost.

Many of these medications are helpful and work by blocking hunger pangs in the appetite center of the brain.

However, regardless of which medication you try, behavior medication, including exercise and diet, must be part of your long-term solution in order to be successful.

One final caveat: Dont take over the counter natural weight loss vitamins and supplements, which often exaggerate their claims and may cause side effects.

Dr. Art Mollen is an osteopathic family physician and a health, fitness and preventive medicine expert. Reach him at 480-656-0016 or askdrartmollen@gmail.com.

More from Dr. Art Mollen:

Some key numbers reveal your heart health

Is testosterone replacement right for you?

Which vitamins really work?

Is medication necessary for children with ADHD?

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Dr. Art Mollen: Can a medication actually help with obesity? - AZCentral.com


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