Effective medications for the treatment of obesity

Author: Margarita Kuts - doctor-dietitian, gastroenterologist, and body mesotherapist.
2014-01-18

Today, I would like to talk to you about the pharmacological treatment of obesity, specifically about the medications that are most commonly used in dietetics to address this problem.

Currently, in the media, we often see and hear about various products that help to "miraculously" lose weight. Unfortunately, miracles do not happen! Virtually all the products that are so desperately advertised to us for weight loss have little effect on solving such a serious issue. Therefore, I wouldn't even recommend spending your money on these "placebos."

Now, onto the main point. In dietetics, there are medications that can genuinely help a patient cope with the ailment of obesity. However, I want to emphasize that there is not always a need for their use. Often, a well-structured diet and appropriately selected physical activities are sufficient.

Based on their effects on the human body, these medications are classified into: central action medications and peripheral action medications.

Central Action Medications

Central action medications are those that affect the central nervous system. They influence the hunger center, which leads to appetite suppression. Absolute contraindications for the use of this group of medications include:

• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• childhood;
• simultaneous use of medications with similar effects.

From this group of medications, I use the drug "Sibutramine", commercially known as "Reduxin", in my practice. This medication has two main actions in the treatment of obesity. Firstly, it reduces hunger. Secondly, it increases energy expenditure through its influence on thermogenesis. The drug is usually prescribed at a dose of 10-15 mg once a day, ideally in the morning. However, the medication has side effects: dry mouth, insomnia or drowsiness, increased blood pressure, and tachycardia. Therefore, it is very important to select the dosage carefully and consider any existing health conditions. Of course, this medication is prescribed by a doctor and dispensed at pharmacies only by prescription.

Do not confuse "Reduxin" with the medication "Reduxin - Lite", which is often advertised these days. The drug "Reduxin - Lite" is a dietary supplement and in no way relates to the medications in this group. Naturally, one should not expect the effects of sibutramine from it.

Peripheral Action Medications

Peripheral action medications are those that do not affect the central nervous system. Among them, I want to highlight the medications "Xenical" and "Siofor."

"Xenical (Orlistat)" represents a new era in the treatment of obesity. This medication is unique in that it reduces the absorption of fats in the intestines by blocking the enzyme lipase. And it does not affect the body in any other way.

However, I want to caution those who decide to take this medication "thoughtlessly," without adjusting their diet. The fact is that if you consume a large amount of fat while taking "Xenical," you will experience the side effect of diarrhea, along with all the consequences that entails.

I really enjoy prescribing this medication also because it provides patients with good dietary comfort. It allows for a slight expansion of the diet while still enabling weight loss due to the gradual elimination of 30% of fats. "Xenical" is prescribed at a dosage of 120 mg three times a day in conjunction with meals containing fats. If, at any meal, you do not consume foods containing animal or plant fats (vegetables, fruits, marshmallows, etc.), you can skip the dose of the medication.

By the way, "Xenical" is a drug that is approved for use worldwide, unlike its analogs. For example, "Orsoten" is allowed only here in Russia. Make your conclusions!

Despite its safety, Xenical is not prescribed to pregnant women, children, and nursing mothers, as well as individuals with severe liver and kidney damage.

"Siofor (Metformin)" is a peripheral action medication that enhances glucose utilization by tissues. It decreases gluconeogenesis and the conversion of carbohydrates into fats. It improves metabolism overall.

This medication is prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes. It is also given to patients with hyperinsulinism (an increased amount of insulin) and insulin resistance (the body's tissues not responding to insulin). The doctor should prescribe the drug after the patient undergoes the necessary tests. The dosage is tailored to the individual.

This is, perhaps, the list of medications most commonly used in dietetics for the treatment of obesity. I hope my article proves useful to you. Good luck!