Author Question: Discuss the use of weight loss medications. Who are they prescribed for and how do they ... (Read 44 times)

newyorker26 · **on:** Aug 19, 2018

Discuss the use of weight loss medications. Who are they prescribed for and how do they work?

Question 2

Why is it recommended to clients to lose weight prior to surgery?

ryansturges · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Prescription weight loss drugs are approved only for those clients that have a BMI above 30, or a BMI of 27 and above with associated diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Appetite suppressants, approved by FDA, are meant only to be used short term. They include phentermine, phendimetrazine, and diethylpropion. Orlistat (Xenical) is now sold over the counter and known as Alli. This drug reduces the body's ability to absorb fat from food by one-third. It can be viewed as a fat blocker, as it inhibits lipase. This drug is meant to be used in tandem with a reduced calorie, low-fat diet, along with exercise and a daily multivitamin. Orlistat may cause intestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and leakage of oily stools (especially if a higher fat food item is eaten).However these reactions are usually mild and temporary.

Answer to Question 2

Excess fat is a surgical hazard because the extra tissue increases the chances of infection, and the fatty tissue tends to retain the anesthetic longer than do other tissues.