What are weight loss medications?
Weight loss can be an extensive process, and each individual may benefit from a different weight loss program or technique. In some cases, it may be difficult to lose weight simply through changes to diet and exercise. Although it is always a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including healthy food habits, medications can help people overcome weight-related health problems and improve their quality of life.
Weight loss medications to suppress hunger can be an effective way to improve a person’s progress in their weight loss journey. A number of medications are available which work to help men and women lose weight, especially when combined with a healthy and balanced lifestyle. These medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription.
Dr Alnouri combines effective weight-loss medications, when needed, with a healthy diet and mindful eating techniques. This helps patients achieve long-lasting weight loss and a healthier overall lifestyle.
Candidates for weight loss medications
Weight loss medications can be an excellent way to improve your weight loss results, especially if you suffer from weight-related health conditions. People who have a high BMI and struggle to lose weight using diet or exercise programs may benefit from this option. If you are trying to lose weight but struggle to achieve the results you want, speak to one of our experienced doctors, who will advise the best steps for you. We will assess your health and BMI to determine a treatment plan that will help you achieve your goals. If you are found to be a candidate for weight loss medications, we will discuss which medications may be suitable, possible side effects, and what results you can expect.
However, not everyone who has a high BMI is suitable for weight loss medications. The method is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise routine. Instead, it is beneficial for individuals who have difficulty losing weight and are able to combine weight loss medications with healthy eating and exercise habits. It can also be ideal for people who suffer from weight-related health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The exact type of medication prescribed will depend on your goals, whether you have underlying medical conditions, as well as your age and general health.
Weight management medications are also not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Speak to our medical practitioners at Essence Healthcare to find out if medications for weight loss may be a good option for you.
How weight loss medications work
There are multiple medications available, and each work differently to aid the weight loss process. Some suppress the appetite and increase the feeling of fullness after eating. Others boost the body’s resting metabolism and help you burn calories quicker. There are also medications that work as fat blockers, and these stop the body from storing food as fat. While each of these options creates similar outcomes, certain medications may suit some people more than others. For this reason, you should always consult a medical professional before taking weight loss medications.
Patients should keep in mind that weight loss medications are not stand-alone treatments. They are designed to work alongside a healthy weight loss plan, helping to ease weight loss and reduce the chances of developing health issues related to excess weight. This means no matter the medication that your doctor recommends, you will need to combine this with other weight loss methods to ensure the best possible results. This may include:
- Practising mindful eating techniques
- Following an exercise program
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- In-house dietitian and psychology referrals
Maintaining your overall health will help you get the most out of your treatment plan and have confidence in reaching your goals.
Types of medications
Since each type of medication is designed to have different effects, it can be helpful to understand the differences before you seek weight loss medications. Your doctor will prescribe medications that best suits your health and weight goals, advising the appropriate dosage and length of time you will need to take them. You can continue taking your medications in consultation with your doctor, as long as you are seeing positive outcomes and not experiencing serious side effects.
The types of weight loss medications prescribed by our doctors include:
Orlistat
Orlistat is a common medication used for weight loss. It works by blocking an enzyme that digests and processes fat, thereby preventing the fat from being absorbed into the body.
Topirimate
Topirimate is an anticonvulsant medication that affects the central nervous system. It is an appetite suppressant, which means you will feel fuller more quickly and for longer after eating. The medication is also proven to aid weight loss and glycemic control in patients who are diabetic and obese.
Phentermine
Phentermine is also an appetite suppressant, stimulating the central nervous system to make you feel less hungry. This can be helpful for reducing the tendency to overeat and treating conditions like binge eating disorder.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a weight loss medication that is often used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps lower the chance of having very low blood sugar, as well as complications such as heart attack and stroke. The dosage will depend on the patient’s health and condition.
Weight loss medications cost in Melbourne
The cost of weight loss medications varies based on the specific medication, dosage, and the length of time required to take them. This means that in order to give an estimate of costs, we will first need to meet with you for a discussion about your weight loss journey and health requirements.
Our medical practitioners are knowledgeable and experienced in helping men and women achieve their health and body goals. During your first meeting with us, we will conduct a blood test, after which we can begin discussing a weight loss management plan. You can let us know about your experiences in trying to lose weight, the difficulties you have had, and what you hope to achieve with regard to your health and weight. You can also discuss any health concerns with us, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or eating disorders.
Once we have the required information about how to best support your health and wellness, we can design a personalised plan to aid your weight loss. Then, in conjunction with other necessary weight loss management techniques, we can provide you with an estimate of your weight loss medications costs.
What you can expect
During a discussion with our friendly team at Essence Healthcare, we will need to assess your health, including any diagnosed medical conditions or health issues. You should also let us know about any medications you are currently taking, as certain medicines can impede the absorption of weight loss medications. This information will help us to guide you through your weight loss journey and help you understand what to expect.
In general, weight loss medications cause a person to be less hungry or prevent fat from being absorbed into the body. These mechanisms aid the weight loss process, helping a person lose weight more effectively than with diet and exercise alone. Consequently, you can expect to see faster weight loss results, combined with guidance and support that help you maintain your results over time.
Additionally, if you are prescribed weight loss medications, your doctor may also recommend techniques to help you maintain good eating habits. This cultivation of healthy eating habits is important, as it helps reduce the risk of weight regain and aids in the longevity of results.
Risks and complications
There are a number of risks and side effects associated with weight loss medications. You should speak to your doctor about these and ensure you are fully informed in order to make a decision that you are confident in. Additionally, certain people may be more susceptible to certain side effects or increased risks, and therefore, you should ensure to tell your doctor about any past or current health concerns.
Whether you experience any side effects will depend on the type of medication and your body’s reaction to the substance. They can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache and dizziness
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
The risk of side effects from certain weight loss medications can be increased by factors such as alcohol consumption and other medications. Some medicines are also not suitable for pregnant women, which means if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, you should ensure to discuss this with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do weight loss medications work?
The medications we prescribe at Essence Healthcare have been clinically proven to aid the weight loss process for both men and women. They are a popular way to boost a person’s weight loss program and address health concerns such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you are interested in medications for weight loss but are unsure if you are a candidate, it is best to speak to a qualified doctor such as Dr Alnouri. He will assess your health and explain how medication may help you achieve your weight loss and body goals.
How long do I need to take my weight loss medications?
It is common for weight loss programs to involve appetite-suppressing medications for a period of about 12 weeks. However, Dr Alnouri may prescribe them for a longer period of time if necessary to help you reach your goals.
What if I experience side effects?
If you have any serious or concerning side effects after beginning your medication, you should contact the clinic straight away. We will advise the most appropriate course of action based on your symptoms. In any case, it is important that your doctor monitors your progress at regular intervals throughout your weight loss treatment to ensure the medication is working as it should.
When can I stop taking my weight loss medications?
You will be advised as to how long you will need to take your medication to get the best weight loss outcomes. It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor on when to begin and cease your medication.
Why choose Essence Healthcare for weight loss medications
Losing weight can be a long and difficult process. Combining lifestyle changes with weight loss medications can significantly ease the process and give you a more confident outlook on achieving your goals. If you think you may be a candidate for this option, it is important to get the advice of a trusted and qualified medical practitioner, such as our team at Essence Healthcare. Our dedicated staff provide quality weight loss plans, tailored to the individual preferences, BMI, health concerns, and goals of each person. Inquire today to receive private advice about weight loss medications.