Discuss the risks and benefits of weight-loss medicines with your doctor before you try any. These medicines are not for people who just want to lose 5 to 10 pounds. Your doctor can tell you if weight loss medicines might help you. Some medicines may cause nervousness, irritability, headaches, dry mouth, nausea and constipation. Others may cause depression, drowsiness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, Your family doctor can tell you more about the side effects and help you decide whether to use a weight-loss medicine.
Weight gain is common after the medicine is stopped.
To keep the weight off you must permanently change your food and exercise habits. Remember, losing weight and keeping it off is a life-long effort. This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor. Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.