WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS
Weight loss medications should be considered as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention in patients with a BMI >30 or BMI >27 with obesity related medical conditions.
There are a number of medications now available to assist in weight management. The use of these medications requires a complex assessment of the risks and side effects contrasted with the benefits of losing and maintaining weight. Medicines work best when combined with diet and exercise programs with close clinical monitoring and supervision.
At Elina medical weight loss, we can provide detailed information on the medicines currently available and their success rate.
The following drugs are available for prescription in Australia and may be useful.
TGA Approved for use in weight management
- Liraglutide A daily self injection that works both on your stomach to make you feel full and directly on your appetite control centre of the brain to stop hunger and cravings.
- Phentermine a centrally acting hunger suppressant and stimulant.
- Bupropion/Naltrexone – A double medication combination that works both on the appetite control centre to reduce hunger and also on the behavioural centre that causes addictive eating behaviour – this reduces triggered eating and cravings.
- Orlistat ) – Available over the counter, It binds fat and reduces calorie absorption. Diarrhoea is a common side effect
Not TGA Approved for weight loss management
- Other Injectables – Not approved in Australia, may be considered with comprehensive consenting
.
