Weight Loss

Some folks may or may not remember that I have been working on my own weight loss for awhile. I have been attempting to eat more healthy food, like munching on peanut butter and carrots, while still having ice cream occasionally. I have also gotten back into running, and have been successfully running for a few months. I have noticed a slight decrease in my weight, by about 10lbs, which is very encouraging. Some people are unable to do even that, and may need medication to help. That's where it helps to have a doctor on your side.

One of the cheapest forms of weight loss medication that does work is called Orlistat, also known as Alli. You can even buy it over the counter. How this one works is that it does not allow your body to digest fat, and instead of digesting it, your body completely excretes it with your feces. This causes fatty bowel movements, and occasionally patients have issues with being able to control their bowel movements, meaning that they may soil themselves. Hence, it's affordable quality. I don't tend to recommend this to patients unless they are okay with that possible side effect and they have a bathroom nearby.

Another medication is called Victoza/Saxenda. This is a diabetic medication, that is an analogue (man-made version) of the GLP-1 hormone. This hormone is the one that triggers your body to let you know that you are hungry, and to get more glucose into the body. By taking this class of medication, your appetite is decreased. It is an injection that has to have doses adjusted over time. It can work, as long as the patient is okay with doing injections, and okay with the possible side-effects of nausea and upset stomach. Also, since insurance companies are not the easiest things to work with, this can also be quite expensive. It is a good idea for patients that are either diabetic or prediabetic because it will lower your blood sugar readings as well.

If needles are not for you, another option is a medication called phentermine. This is a controlled medication, because of possible addictive qualities to it. Due to the controlled nature, patients have to come in monthly for medication refills. It does work as an appetite suppressant. However, this medication can only be used safely for 12 weeks at a time. "Phentermine is not approved for long-term use. Clinicians should carefully examine the potentially benefits against potential risks associated with use of medications in this class. Consult weight loss guidelines for current pharmacotherapy recommendations. Therapy should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight management program." It will work, but should only be used for a short term period.

Another option is a medication that called contrave. It is a combination of bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion (wellbutrin) is an antidepressant, which also helps diminish appetite. It can help with mood, and with quitting smoking. This medication should not be used if the person has ever had any issues with seizures, because it lowers the seizure threshold (the likelihood of a seizure occurring). This medication also has to be titrated over time to help with weight loss. This medication tends to be well tolerated and can be used for longer periods of time. This is an expensive medication, but through the company's website, they do offer a deal of only paying $99/month.

The final medical option of a pill, and not surgery (which is a whole other discussion), is called qsymia. Qsymia is a combination of phentermine (at low dose) and topiramate (a medication commonly used for migraine prevention). The combination is good at decreasing appetite. This medication has to be titrated over time and is safe for longer periods of time. This is also expensive, but the company has a deal of paying $99/month if you use their portal.