New Prescription Weight Loss Medicines

Due to the rising prevalence of obesity as a chronic disease, doctors have started recommending new prescription weight loss medicines to their patients. These medications are only reserved for obesity cases resulting to other medical conditions such as sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes. Physicians are advised to closely monitor their patients during medication because of the possible risks involved in the prolonged administration of the drugs.

Sibutramine (Meridia)

Sibutramine is a new prescription weight loss medicine that works by enhancing satiety. It is an appetite suppressant which works directly on the body's neurotransmitters without causing antidepressant effects. It helps curb hunger pangs by making the body feel full even after eating small amounts of food. According to research, 60% of the people who used this medication lost 5% of their body weight within a year. It has the same results in overweight but healthy individuals and people who are obese and at the same time suffering from other medical conditions such as diabetes.

Most common side effects of this new prescription weight loss medicine include an increased blood pressure, headache, dry mouth, constipation and insomnia.

Orlistat (Xenical)

Orlistat is considered a lipase inhibitor. In essence, this new prescription weight loss medicine interferes with fat absorption. It regulates the action of lipase - an enzyme that breaks down fat from the food we eat. This medication is purported to decrease dietary fat absorption by as much as 30% which limits the amount of calories taken in the body. Because it can also block the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins, it is recommended that you should take multivitamins daily while taking Orlistat.

Orlistat is not a prescribed medication for patients suffering from liver disorders like choleostasis as well as for those who have undergone an organ transplant.

Common side effects of this medication are cramping, diarrhea, flatulence, intestinal discomfort and bloating.