“Looks don’t matter.”
You must have heard or read it somewhere in your life. But do you feel that looks don’t matter?
Even if there is no one to judge, still some people feel low or negative because of their overweight.
Do you think that only ‘diet’ and ‘difficult exercises’ are enough?
Practically, this is not possible because there are several factors like biology, sleep, stress, habits, hormones etc involved and you might need to take medication to deal with obesity or weight related health issues. But there are several advertisements, conflicting opinions, new drugs to confuse us with so many questions like:
- What if these advertisements are fake?
- Are these medicines really safe to use?
- Will these tablets really work?
- Most importantly, will it work on my body?
This article is for you to give you knowledge about these medications so you can make decisions confidently.
What are weight loss medications?
First of all, you need to know that no medicine works like magic. Don’t get influenced by dramatic before-and-after photos with no explanation. Every body is different with different conditions so every drug can’t work on it.
Doctors prescribe Weight Loss medicines according to your weight and medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea etc.
Remember, these medicines work on overall health and not just appearance. These clinically tested anti-obesity drugs help people lose weight by treating their metabolism, fat storage or appetite.
There are several medications that can help you to reduce weight but never take it casually. If you have any medicinal condition, use every medicine responsibly.
How do these medications work?
Every medication works in a different way so these weight loss medication helps in the following ways:
With anti-obesity medicines, you can feel slow digestion with no desire to eat. So you start eating less without constantly feeling hungry.
This medicine works on hunger signals in your brain that makes cravings easier to control.
Some medicines control blood sugar and insulin that can help you to lose weight.
In short, these medicines don’t lose weight directly but help to remove barriers that can make weight loss journey difficult.
Medications that actually work: Not all medicines work on obesity so here are some effective medicines for obesity:
(i) Hormone based medication:
Some doctors prescribe hormone-based medications for several reasons as these medications can help to control appetite with slow digestion. Overall, it will help to regulate blood sugar. After taking these medicines, people report that they feel satisfied with smaller portions without thinking much about food. Moreover, they don’t feel any cravings especially late at night.
These medicines work only if you take it consistently with your changed lifestyle.
(ii) Combination Medications:
They combine different mechanisms to target your metabolism and hunger. These medications are good for people who couldn’t get much benefit from other options. But remember, these medications are not for everyone as there are some side-effects involved.
(iii) Appetite suppressants:
These suppressants are helpful to reduce hunger as it acts directly on the central nervous system. These medicines are used for short-term treatments and if you have any heart condition, don’t take this medicine.
(iv) Fat absorption blockers:
Blockers block the body from absorbing some dietary fat. These blockers can have some uncomfortable digestive side-effects so you should take it with a doctor’s prescription only.
Now, the question arises,
“Do these medications actually work?”
So, the answer is ‘yes’.
Many users have reported to lose 5-20% body weight depending on the consistency of the medicine. This can lead to less joint pain, lower blood pressure, better blood sugar control, improved cholesterol and more energy. Moreover, some users say it feels better than other attempts.
Side effects of anti-obesity medicines:
This is a very common but valid question.
‘Is there any side-effects of these medications?’
The answer is ‘yes’. Mostly, these side-effects are mild and temporary. If you feel nausea, fatigue, constipation, bloating or diarrhea, it’s normal. We recommend you to start with a low dose and increase it slowly to get the full benefit.
Serious side-effects: Remember, not all medications are for everyone. If you have heart issues or thyroid conditions, please avoid taking it. Never order any medicine just because it’s working for others. Your body is different so its requirements are different too.
Emotional side of obesity:
Remember, weight issues are not just physical. With weight loss, people feel:
- Relaxation
- Confident
- Proud
When they don’t feel any stress to eat again due to hunger, they can focus on work which will increase their productivity too. Remember, you are not alone. It’s a long struggle and support matters.
FAQs:
Here are some common myths and facts that can solve your doubts regarding obesity:
Myth 1: Weight loss medication is a shortcut or the ‘easy way out’.
Fact: No, weight loss journey is not easy as it is a medical condition influenced by hormones, metabolism, medical conditions, genetics or other lifestyle factors. Remember, medication can’t work if there is no effort from your side.
Myth 2: This medicine is good for everyone.
Fact: The biggest mistake. Medications are medications only and no medication is for everyone. It is for the one who meets specific medical criteria. Your doctor can decide if it is good for you based on your health history, medical condition etc.
Myth 3: Popular medicines are safe.
Fact: Popularity doesn’t guarantee safety. It may be good for a group of people but remember, medications work on hormones, digestion, body so taking them without any prescription can be risky.
Myth 4: Doctor is not required to choose a medicine.
Fact: Dosing is not like any normal food. Medicine should be according to your body needs, medical history so contact your doctor to reduce or avoid side-effects of any medicine to protect your health.
Myth 5: Weight loss medication will lose weight.
Fact: No, it doesn’t work like normal medicine. There is a specific process that works behind the scene. These medications help the body to control appetite and cravings but it can’t work without proper sleep, healthy diet, physical activity or stress management. For long term success, combine these medications with a healthy lifestyle.
Myth 6: Weight will increase once you stop the medication.
Fact: Weight gain is possible after you stop taking the medicine but not always. If you have a healthy lifestyle under a doctor’s guidance, you can live a normal life again.
Conclusion
You should note that anti-obesity medication is not a magical pill, it’s just a medical option. So, you should use it wisely, under doctor’s guidance alongside healthy habits. With weight loss, people can improve their quality of life and routine. Remember, your health deserves attention, not overthinking and embarrassment. Discuss it with your loved ones and start your treatment today!
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