Obesity is a major public health concern in the United States today. The approval of Qysmia by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2012 as a weight-loss pill has expanded options for persons undergoing weight management for being obese or overweight.
Qysmia and a Healthy Lifestyle
The responsible use of weight loss drugs in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle offers the most promising results. A low-calorie diet, a targeted exercise program, and intake of a proper dosage daily will help persons with health issues associated with weight. Perhaps, you have already been told by that it takes time and willpower to attain weight loss goals.
Fortunately, you won’t have to resort to diet pills with questionable formulations, and dubious claims of success. Diet pills and the FDA had a long history of discord. It took 13 years after Xenical for Qysmia and another drug to be approved by the government agency. The green light given by the FDA for Qysmia is encouraging, and gives hope for many. It’s unlike simple moderation strategies or MD diets. Clinics and specialists can guide you to weight loss through these programs.
Formulation
Adults with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 27 and higher with a weight related co-morbidity (e.g. hypertension, diabetes) can take Qysmia as prescribed by a physician. Adults with a BMI of 30 and higher may be prescribed with the drug as well.
Two drugs are combined to form Qysmia. These are phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine’s main action is short term weight loss. Topiramate is an anti-seizure drug, which is indicated for migraine prevention as well. Together, and in an extended release formulation, the main effects of the two drugs are reduced intake of food and suppression of appetite.
Expectations
Clinical studies presented a loss of as much as 22 pounds from the original weight with the use of Qysmia. However, one must consider that the success attained in these studies cannot be attributed to the drug alone. Always, there is a reminder to use the drug in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program. Without these lifestyle modifications, there is no assurance the drug itself offers significant results when you weigh in a few months later.
Medical Monitoring
People who take Qysmia off the drug if there is inadequate weight loss in three months. The other option is to increase the dose, while considering the side effects and medical precautions for the individual. A gradual weaning from the drug is the agreed protocol if target weight loss is not achieved after an increase in dosage.
Regular cardiac monitoring is indicated for persons with a risk for heart problems. Because of the potential side effects on cardiac function, persons with known heart problems cannot take Qysmia. Other potential side effects of the drug are sleep problems, eye problems, mood problems and depression.
Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, more than one-third the adult population in America are obese. Qysmia is a weight loss drug that is approved by the FDA. Ask your doctor about it, and how it can be integrated in your current weight management program.
