OBESITY AND MEDICAL TREATMENTS

Even though you exercise and eat healthily , you may not be able to lose weight. In this case, for paitens who are slightly or moderately overweight, medical treatment might be an option for treatment. The effects of these medications are limited due to their side effects and not being able to maintain long-term weight control. The success rate we achive with life style changes and medications in weight loss is 5-10%. Medications are mostly expensive and have compliance problems. The rate of continuing medical treatment is less than 2%. 

Most commonly preferred medications for overweight patients are orlistat (xenical), metformin and sibutramine (meridia). Serious side effects may occur during these treatments. Sibutramine (meridia) may cause tachycardia and hypertension, and also may slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Orlistat (xenical) reduces fat absorption but may cause flatulance, diarrhea, fat soluble vitamin deficiency and gall bladder diseases. Metformin is the second line treatment and commonly used for insulin resistance, liver steatosis and policystic ovary syndrome.