WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS

Most weight loss medications available today work by changing the chemical signals to the areas of the brain that regulate hunger. Though each medication performs in a unique way, they all help suppress appetite. Consequently, the medications are likely to help those taking them to eat less, and as a result, lose weight.

An overview of weight loss medications:

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Why and when we consider prescribing them:

Weight loss medications do not replace the need for healthy habits. At Form, our first priority is helping people achieve lasting lifestyle changes and better health through good nutrition, physical activity, and positive habits. However, when this approach doesn’t result in weight loss, medication may help.

Necessary patient qualifications:

• Your body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30. 

• Your BMI is higher than 27, and you have weight-related health issues, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• You’ve made lifestyle changes, but are still unable to lose weight and/or you have a history of high and low weight changes.

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It’s important to note that even if one of these points apply to you, weight loss medication may not be the answer. Your medical history, current medications, and insurance benefits must also be taken into consideration, as well as a shared decision-making discussion between you and your Form doctor.

The weight loss medications we may prescribe:

Our doctors only prescribe FDA-approved medications. Under no circumstance will they prescribe weight loss supplements, as they are not regulated by the FDA and years of research have tied them to a variety of safety concerns.  

Each medication has its own profile of side effects, so our doctors will assess several factors, including current medical conditions, when determining the right medication for you. 

On average, most of these medications help patients lose between 5 to 10 percent of their starting weight after one year. Nevertheless, results are extremely individualized, so while you may experience significant weight loss, others may experience little.

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For your well-being, receiving prescriptions from our doctors will always require active participation in the Form program, including regularly scheduled video visits with your care team.