Weight Loss Products: OTC vs. Prescription

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Today, millions of people across the globe are diagnosed as obese or overweight, and weight loss remains a critical public health issue. Various pharmacologic treatment options have been introduced during the last several decades: some drugs can be over the counter, while others need a professional prescription.

Discussion

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many medications to ensure their safety and efficacy. For example, Lorcaserin belongs to a group of serotonin receptor agonists and is available only with a doctor’s prescription (Salari et al., 2021). Alli is the only FDA-approved drug, a 60 mg orlistat portion, that becomes a strong pancreatic lipase inhibitor to reduce fat digestion (Tak & Lee, 20211). Both medications have risks and benefits, and a final recommendation depends on the patient’s characteristics and goals.

The benefits of OTC Alli include the possibility of limiting the amount of dietary fat and preventing unnecessary food intake. However, the risks of digestive problems, gas discharge, headache, and increased bowel movements should not be ignored. Lorcaserin aims to help people lose weight and not gain that weight again. Doctors have to cooperate with patients to understand if the offered 5-HT2C receptors can be effective for their central nervous systems in reducing appetite and maintaining satiety (Salari et al., 2021). At the same time, such side effects as dizziness, constipation, headache, and nausea might occur. It is important to report these changes because it is the doctor’s decision whether Lorcaserin’s benefits prevail over its possible risks. This medication has a modest effect on people’s weight loss. Alli is effective for people with minimal health problems who want to manage their weight and increase their desire to be physically active.

Conclusion

I think that people should avoid OTC when they try to lose weight because this goal is associated with multiple physiological and emotional changes. Thus, it is necessary to consult a doctor and discuss the options. Each medication has its positive and adverse effects, and the doctor should specify the patient’s condition and readiness to manage weight. Alli and Lorcaserin are characterized by similar levels of effectiveness (Tak & Lee, 2021). Still, the former has severe digestive unpredictability. Therefore, my recommendation is to prescribe Lorcaserin after a thorough examination to help someone wanting to lose weight and ensure all doses are safe.

References

Salari, N., Jafari, S., Darvishi, N., Valipour, E., Mohammadi, M., Mansouri, K., & Shohaimi, S. (2021). The best drug supplement for obesity treatment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 13. Web.

Tak, Y. J., & Lee, S. Y. (2021). Anti-obesity drugs: Long-term efficacy and safety: an updated review. The World Journal of Men’s Health, 39(2), 208-221. Web.

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Weight Loss Products: OTC vs. Prescription

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