Do I Need A Prescription Weight Loss Pill?
Weight loss pills aren’t a quick fix or a cure-all for losing weight. But they can work together with diet and exercise to help speed up weight loss and show progress quicker than just diet and exercise alone. The two types of weight loss pills are over-the-counter pills, which we have discussed, and prescription pills. Here we will talk about prescription pills, which are federally regulated and have been put through studies to ensure effectiveness and safety.
First stop for a prescription diet pill is obviously your doctor, and there will be many factors for him to consider before prescribing you with diet pills. Anyone who just wants to lose a few pounds doesn’t need a prescription diet pill. In fact, a doctor won’t prescribe a pill to anyone who doesn’t meet certain weight requirements.
Who Qualifies for Prescription Diet Pills?
Body mass index is often used as an indication of a patients need for prescription diet pills. The body mass index takes into consideration a person’s weight and height, disregarding weight from muscle mass. Anyone with a body mass index of 30 or more, with no related health conditions, is a candidate for a prescription. People who suffer from weight related health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can get a prescription with a body mass index of 27 or more.
Other reasons a doctor may prescribe a weight loss pill is if a patient has unsuccessfully tried to lose weight for a number of years. Doctors may also try to curb future problems associated with weight gain by starting patients on the brink of obesity or other weight related illnesses on a prescription diet pill.
Who Shouldn’t Take Prescription Diet Pills?
Anyone with a history of addiction should use caution when taking prescription diet pills. Almost all of these pills are classified as controlled substances and may be addictive. People with poor blood pressure, heart disease, or are at risk for a stroke should also avoid prescription diet drugs. All of these will be checked by your doctor.
The limited amount of information on prescription weight loss drugs and its effect on children and senior citizens means that these two groups should use extreme caution if prescribed a weight loss pill. A doctor will go over all risks and precautions of a particular diet pill before writing a prescription. However, it’s important to research diet pill information yourself, and ask your doctor any questions before accepting a prescription.
