Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Weight Loss Medication?
Candidates for oral weight loss medication are typically individuals who struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. These medications are generally prescribed to people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension. Physicians evaluate each patient's health profile before prescribing weight loss medication to ensure that the benefits of the treatment outweigh any potential risks.
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, or a history of stroke, may not be suitable candidates for oral weight loss medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also advised against using these medications. A healthcare provider will assess a person's overall health, weight loss goals, and any current medications or supplements they are taking to determine if oral weight loss medication is the right choice for them.
