Know the limitations of weight loss drugs

Have you ever used prescription drugs for weight loss or considered asking your primary care provider to write you a prescription for medication to help you lose weight?

If you have, you're not alone. Between 1996 and 1998 it is estimated that 4.5 million U.S. adults were prescribed a weight loss drug to promote weight loss.

For those of you who have joined the ranks of the millions of fellow Americans using prescription meds for weight loss, and more importantly for the group who are considering taking pills to reduce your waist line, I ask you to consider the following information.

First, it is important to know who should be using drugs for weight loss; there are some basic criteria that need to be met before you are considered to receive a prescription. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be at or above 30. This number drops to 27 if you have a co-morbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or sleep apnea.

An example would involve a person who is 5-foot, 5-inches tall: a BMI of 30 means this person would need to weigh 180 pounds, or if they have any of the above health problems a BMI of 27 represents 162 pounds. For people who do not meet these criteria, the risks of taking a drug for weight loss often outweigh the benefits.

Second, there has yet to be found a magic bullet that works for everyone. Keeping that in mind, it is important to know that anything used to achieve weight loss is simply a tool. Pills, diets and sports equipment only work if you understand what you're doing and use them properly. And once you stop using them, unless you have learned to change your behavior toward food, they stop working. This is the primary reason people regain weight after they finish their diet regimen.

Third, consider the benefits verses the risks of taking a drug for weight loss. While some weight loss drugs simply suppress the appetite, others interfere with nutrient absorption and brain chemicals to aid in weight loss. Take the time to research all aspects of a drug before you consider taking it. Asking about the long-term effects, common side-effects and knowing how long the drug can be safely taken will help you make an informed decision.

Finally, don't just rely on a weight loss drug to produce long-term weight loss all by itself. Incorporating a lifetime goal of healthy eating and exercise is the only way to ensure weight loss success.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!