Obesity, according to MedlinePlus, is a medical problem defined as having too much body fat. When dieting and exercise aren't enough to promote weight loss, medical weight-loss drugs are sometimes prescribed to supplement a healthy lifestyle.
The U.S. FDA has approved two types of prescription medical weight loss supplements, and doctors prescribe certain others off-label as well. It is vital to understand these medical supplements before making a choice with your doctor.
Appetite Suppressants
These drugs are often prescribed medically as supplements for weight loss, according to the U.S. Weight-control Information Network (WIN). Appetite suppressants work by doing exactly what their name says---suppressing appetite, or reducing hunger, by acting on chemicals in the brain.
FDA-approved appetite suppressants include sibutramine (Meridia), phentermine (Adipex-P) and diethylpropion (Tenuate). Sibutramine is indicated for long-term use, while phentermine and diethylpropion are recommended only for short-term supplementation because of side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea.
Appetite suppressants are similar to amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine) in chemical structure, so they are not always the first-line choice for supplementing medically to promote weight loss.
Lipase Inhibitors
Unlike appetite suppressants, this class of medical weight-loss supplement drug works on the body, not the brain. Lipase inhibitors work by blocking a digestive enzyme, reducing the body's ability to absorb fat taken in from food by roughly one-third, according to WIN.
Orlistat (Xenical) is an FDA-approved lipase inhibitor prescribed to supplement diet and exercise for weight loss. Alli, an over-the-counter medical supplement found at most pharmacies, is a reduced-strength version of Xenical, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Lipase inhibitors are FDA-approved for long-term use, although like appetite suppressants, they carry side effect risks as well. Potential side effects include oily bowel movements, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating.
Other Medical Supplements
Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a drug to supplement diet and exercise that is not specifically approved for this purpose by the FDA. This is termed "off-label" prescribing, and is fairly commonplace.
Off-label medical supplements that are prescribed to treat obesity include bupropion (Wellbutrin, an antidepressant), topiramate (Topamax, an anti-seizure medication) and metformin (Glucophage, a diabetes drug).
Off-label medical supplements may be chosen by your doctor in light of your personal medical history and any medical conditions you may have. It is important to talk to your doctor about the various effects and side effects of off-label supplements for weight loss, as they vary greatly from type to type.
Supplementation for Weight Loss
The Mayo Clinic reminds us that diet and exercise are the best way to lose weight. Before considering a prescription medical weight-loss supplement drug, make sure you're living a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about non-prescription supplements such as vitamins and minerals before thinking about taking a medical weight-loss supplement. And remember, medical weight loss supplements are meant to be used with diet and exercise; there is no "magic pill" for losing weight.
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