New Weight-Loss Medications

Many of my patients battling with weight gain or desperately trying to lose weight on various diets have been asking me for medicines to help them reach their goals. Having researched many clinical trials on this subject, I have been presribing with some success two pills, one phentermine (acts in the brain to eat less) and the other topiramate (also used for seizure disorders and migraine headaches). I found that these two drugs combined had little side effects and almost all my patients were able to lose weight safely. How? One drug stimulates the metabolism while the other curbs the appetite.

It was no surprise, therefore, when I read about the launch this week of QSYMIA, the new pill that contains both these substances and is now FDA approved for weight loss.



The other weight loss medication approved is BELVIQ which contains a new substance lorcaserin that is a Serotonin 5-HT_2C Receptor Agonist.
It is indicated for weight management, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, in patients with either an initial body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m² or an initial BMI of ≥27 kg/m² and at least one weight-related comorbid condition (eg, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes).



Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of weight in relation to height. It is the most practical way to estimate if a person is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI < 18.5:	Underweight
BMI >= 18.5 and < 25:	Healthy weight
BMI >= 25 and < 30:	Overweight
BMI >= 30:	Obesity

I do find that once a patient is motivated by the initial weight loss and their cravings and appetite have been reduced[ then the lifestyle changes necessary, such as a good, healthy diet and regular exercise, is easier to adopt and maintain.