Anti-obesity medication

Anti-obesity medication or weight loss drugs are pharmacological agents that reduce or control weight. These drugs alter one of the fundamental processes of the human body, weight regulation, by altering either appetite, or absorption of calories. The main treatment modalities for overweight and obesity are dieting and physical exercise.

Mechanism of action

Anti-obesity medication work by altering the body's natural processes, often targeting the metabolism or suppressing the appetite. Some medications, like orlistat, block the absorption of fat or carbohydrates in the gut, while others, like liraglutide, increase feelings of fullness.

Types of anti-obesity medication

There are several different types of anti-obesity medication, including:

• Appetite suppressants: These medications make you feel full, which can help to reduce the amount of food you eat.
• Fat absorption inhibitors: These medications prevent your body from breaking down and absorbing fat, which can help you to lose weight.
• Metabolism boosters: These medications speed up your metabolism, which can help you to burn more calories.

Side effects

Like all medications, anti-obesity drugs have side effects. These can include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as more serious side effects like heart disease and stroke.

See also

• Obesity
• Weight loss
• Dieting
• Exercise
• Metabolism

References

Anti-obesity medication Resources
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