Obesity Basics: What Is It? How Is It Treated?
There is an epidemic of obesity in this country, health experts say. But what is obesity? How is it measured? Find out the answers to these questions and others by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
9. If your doctor recommends weight-loss medication, when can you expect to lose the most weight?
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After that, a person's weight tends to level off or even increase for the remainder of treatment, the NIDDK says. Most weight-loss medications are for short-term use only. These medications are usually meant for people who are obese, not for those who are overweight or who want to lose a few pounds. Most of the medications are available only by prescription. Xenical, a lipase inhibitor, is one medication that may be used for a year; it blocks about 30 percent of fats consumed. It may be prescribed for a person who is overweight and also has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Sibutramine, an appetite suppressant, is another medication that may be used for up to a year. Discuss with your doctor which medication is appropriate for you and how long you should take the medication. Any amphetamine-based medications are not recommended for weight loss because of the potential for abuse or dependence. A person taking weight-loss medication should also increase physical activity and improve his or her diet to maintain the weight loss for the long term.
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