Antiobesity pharmaceuticals are made to help people lose weight by changing their appetite, metabolism, or calorie absorption. People with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 or over 27 who also have comorbid conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are usually prescribed these. They can be useful tools, but they can't take the place of dietary and exercise modifications and other lifestyle adjustments. Orlistat belongs to a class of antiobesity medications that acts by preventing the action of pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides in the intestine. Orlistat decreases the absorption of dietary fat by roughly 30% via inhibiting this enzyme. However, some users may find it uncomfortable when they have gastrointestinal problems including gas and greasy stools as a side effect. Phentermine is another popular medication that suppresses appetite by causing the brain to release more norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that lessens hunger. Because of the possibility of dependence and abuse, phentermine is often administered for brief periods of time. In addition, it may result in adverse effects like dry mouth, sleeplessness, and elevated heart rate. Phentermine/Topiramate ER is one example of a combination medication that combines several strategies to improve weight loss. While topiramate is an anticonvulsant that can increase feelings of fullness, phentermine lowers appetite. Clinical investigations have shown that this combination significantly reduces weight, but it also has adverse effects that include tingling, changed taste, and possibly even birth abnormalities if taken while pregnant. Another anti-obesity medication that was once created to treat diabetes is ligarglutide. It functions by imitating the actions of the hormone GLP-1, which controls hunger and food consumption. Although it needs to be injected daily, ligarglutide can result in significant weight loss and improvements in blood sugar levels. Symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are typical. A combo medication called bupropion/naltrexone modifies the brain's reward system. While bupropion, an antidepressant, can help manage cravings and elevate mood, naltrexone inhibits opioid receptors, which lessens the need to overeat. In trials, this combination has produced moderate weight loss results; nevertheless, constipation, headaches, and nausea are some of the negative effects. Although these medications have certain advantages, they also have drawbacks. They function best when combined with other lifestyle modifications like a balanced diet and consistent exercise. Furthermore, safety profiles and long-term impacts differ, so it's critical that people collaborate closely with healthcare providers to identify the best alternative for their needs.
