Treatment of Obesity

Obesity has risen to epic proportions in the US. Unfortunately, there is no typical treatment or medicine that would cure it within a short period. Numerous treatments for obesity have failed as more than medicines, diet control and exercise is needed. Many of the obese people were unable to follow these treatments and as a result suffered serious consequences.
However, there are other treatments of obesity to control weight that include either surgery such as the Lap-band surgery or a change in life style supported by medicines.

Various Treatments Of Obesity

Surgery

Lap-Band surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity. It has had its share of success and aims to reduce the size of the digestive tract so that a person does not feel as hungry as s/he ordinarily would. As a result they would consume less food that would lead to weight loss.
In contrast to this approach, a change in life style is needed, one that emphasizes on eating less and exercising more.

Medicines

Medicines are given to obese people to help them reduce their huge appetites. There are no serious side effects of such medicines and they simply lower the appetite level that leads to lesser consumption of food. New medicines are being worked out in this regard because of the research unearthing the action of enzymes and other chemicals in one’s appetite.
Two of the medications sold in the US are very effective for obesity. Though they are not known to be harmful to anyone, it is suggested that one adhere to doctor’s advice regarding dosage.

Sibutramine (Meridia)

It is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medicine for treating obesity. It is given to individuals whose weigh 30 pounds more than their normal weight. According to clinical data, obese people lost 5 to 10% weight using Meridia. It even helps to maintain the weight loss achieved by its use.
Meridian works on hunger pangs i.e. it is controls the hunger enzymes ensuring that the individual feels less hungry. This automatically results in less consumption of food.
One of the reported side effects of this medicine is high blood pressure. People taking anti-depressant medicines should also avoid Meridia.

Orlistat (Xenical)

It is also an FDA approved medicine prescribed for those whose weight is 30% more than what it should be. It can also be taken by people who have a BMI greater than 30.
It is known that that those who take Orlistat for about a year lose 13.4 pounds, on the average. This is almost 8 pounds more than one would lose using any ordinary diet. Orlistat works by absorbing fat from the intestinal tract. Side effects of this medication include diarrhea.

Some Other Medicines to Treat Obesity

Aside from the above mentioned medicines that are used to curtail appetite, there are others too. However these are not considered safe and non-prescribed usage is not advised. They are not FDA-approved, and therefore are sold illegal as well.
These medications include the following:

• "Phen-fen" and Redux
• Ephedra
• Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)

It should be remembered that the safest way to reduce obesity and eventually get rid of it means that one has to change his or her life style. This includes exercising more and eating less.
However, eating less is now supported by medications that curtail one’s appetite. As long as there are no serious side-effects, it is fine to go about losing weight and control obesity this way.