They have been found to be modestly effective. The average weight loss has been 5-22 pounds greater than that achieved with nondrug treatments of obesity. All of these drugs should be used under a doctor's supervision. These may speed up the fat-burning process, but because of their potential for serious side effects they should be used very cautiously if at all, and only under a physician's supervision. For the small majority of morbidly obese patients whose previous attempts with less-invasive weight loss therapies have failed, surgery may be a viable option.
Gastric bypass is now the one most commonly in use.
A recent study at the Bariatric Treatment Centers of Ohio in Columbus, Ohio, found that, at 18 months after gastric bypass surgery, most patients' weight had stabilized at about 95 pounds lighter than before surgery, and most patients reported that their levels of physical activities, emotional well-being, vitality, and overall health had dramatically improved. Fighting the battle of the bulge takes knowledge, impulse control, and a strong desire to succeed. Barbra Williams Cosentino, RN, CSW, is a freelance medical writer. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center .