Are you struggling to lose weight despite making changes to your regular diet and increasing your physical activity? Wondering whether a weight loss medication is right for you? The answer to this question is yes. These medications work by reducing appetite, increasing metabolism, and reducing the absorption of nutrients like fat. But, the question is where to get weight loss medication. Well, let us explore this in detail below and understand how these medications work and how effective they are.
Where to get weight loss medication?
Healthcare Providers
This is the most reliable way to get weight loss medication. A doctor can evaluate your health status and discuss potential benefits and side effects. Then, they will determine whether you meet the criteria for medication use. A doctor’s prescription is required for most prescription medication.
Telehealth Services
With the rise of telemedicine, several online platforms offer consultations with licensed healthcare professionals who can prescribe weight loss medications if appropriate. These services often include virtual appointments where you can discuss your weight loss goals and medical history.
Pharmacies
Once prescribed, weight loss medications can be obtained from local pharmacies or through mail-order pharmacies. Some common options include:
Retail Pharmacies: They typically carry popular weight loss medications and can offer in-person guidance on their use.
Online Pharmacies: These can provide convenience and home delivery. However, it’s essential to ensure that the pharmacy is licensed and requires a valid prescription for safe purchasing.
So, the answer to the question of where to get weight loss medication is explained above. Always remember that it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication to ensure it is safe and suitable for your individual health needs.
Who is eligible for weight-loss medication?
A healthcare provider may recommend weight-loss medication under specific circumstances, such as if weight loss through diet and exercise has not been successful and you meet one of the following criteria:
BMI over 30: This indicates obesity, a condition characterized by an excess of body fat.
BMI over 27: In cases where obesity is linked to serious health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Before prescribing a weight-loss drug, your provider will review your medical history and health challenges and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks with you.
These medications aren’t suitable for everyone. For instance, they are not recommended if you are planning to become pregnant, are currently pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Effectiveness of Weight-Loss Medications
Prescription weight-loss drugs approved for long-term use over 12 weeks have been shown to result in significant weight loss. When combined with lifestyle changes, these medications generally result in more weight loss than lifestyle changes alone.
Using these medications for a year can lead to an additional weight loss of 3% to 12% of total body weight beyond what’s achieved through lifestyle changes alone. While this might not seem dramatic, losing just 5% to 10% of body weight can have meaningful health benefits. Maintaining this weight loss may lead to reduced blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and decreased triglyceride levels.
How Long Should I Take Weight-Loss Medication?
The duration of taking a weight-loss drug depends on its effectiveness in helping you lose weight. If you have achieved significant weight loss that improves your health and haven’t experienced serious side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend long-term use of the medication.
However, if you haven’t achieved a weight loss of at least 5% after completing the full dosage for 3 to 6 months, your provider will likely modify your treatment plan and may prescribe a different prescription.
Wrapping it Up
Hope that you have got an answer to your question where to get weight loss medication. So, whether you choose to consult healthcare providers, utilize telehealth services, or visit pharmacies, it is important to approach weight loss medications with careful consideration. Always seek professional guidance to ensure that the chosen treatment aligns with your health needs.
