Medication in the Treatment of Obesity

1. Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Quiz on Belly Fat
3. The Best Diet Tips Ever Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Gayle M. Galletta, MD, FACEP

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

View Full Profile

• Obesity Medication Overview
• Health Risks of Obesity
• Treatment of Obesity
• How Medication Can Help You Lose Weight
• Risks and Benefits of Weight-Loss Medications
• Medications Used in the Treatment of Obesity
• Medications to Avoid
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Obesity means accumulation of excess body fat. Obesity is considered a chronic (long-term) disease, similar to high blood pressure or diabetes. As such, it usually requires long-term treatment to successfully lose weight and keep it off. Obesity has many serious long-term consequences for your health, and it is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. (Tobacco is the first).

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and in other developed countries. Two-thirds of Americans are overweight. Nearly one-third are obese. Obesity is on the rise in our society because food is abundant and physical activity is typically an option rather than linked to our daily activities and jobs.

Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on dieting, diet foods, diet books, diet pills, and the like. Another $45 billion is spent on treating the diseases associated with obesity. Furthermore, businesses suffer an estimated $20 billion loss in productivity each year from absence due to illness caused by obesity.

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Body mass index is easily calculated from your weight and height (see body mass index calculator). What does BMI mean?

• Generally, a BMI of 18.5 to 25 is considered healthy.
• A BMI of 25 to 30 is considered overweight.
• A BMI of 30 to 40 is considered obese.
• A BMI of 40 and over is considered morbidly (severely) obese.

The health problems associated with obesity may contribute to poor quality of life, disability, and even premature death. Your body mass index is a good predictor of whether you will develop obesity-related health problems, such as the following:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Osteoarthritis
• Gallstones
• Lung disease and sleep apnea
• Breast cancer
• Colon (large bowel) cancer
• Endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer
• Esophageal (throat) cancer
• Renal (kidney) cancer
• Depression

Must Read Articles Related to Medication in the Treatment of Obesity

Obesity More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight, including at least one in five children. Nearly one-third are obese. Obesity is on the rise in our society ...learn more >>

See the Entire Medication in the Treatment of Obesity Topic Guide »