Interested in weight-loss drugs? Here's the truth.

I can't tell you how many people come in asking to be prescribed something for weight loss. They'll say something along the lines of, "My friend took this medicine and lost 10 lbs in 2 months!". At which point, I would look at them, and try to explain why, no, they can't just get it too, "just cause" their friend had it. Anyway, rant over.

The truth about weight loss agents is that they're not for everyone, they may or may not even work, or they might actually make matters worse (in the sense that you will get a bouquet of wonderful side effects in exchange for shedding a few pounds that you could have probably lost on your own). They are NOT a quick or easy fix. Let me repeat that. They are NOT a quick or easy fix. If you understand that, then read on.

Some of the most common agents prescribed are listed below. They all have different side-effect profiles, costs, and efficacy rates. But what they do share in common, is that they are generally reserved for those whose BMI is either 27 or at times, 30 or more. Just you give you an idea, that's at the very least the overweight category, if not obese. And there are plenty of online BMI calculators for you curious ones out there. Still interested? Read on.

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1) Phentermine: this is an amphetamine-type medication aimed at decreasing your appetite to help you lose weight. It is also mixed with an agent called "topiramate" which is a seizure drug (also used for migraines) and formulated as one under the name Qsymia. Topiramate in itself cannot be used with certain conditions or may cause unpleasant side effects for some. Phentermine, being a stimulant, can also result in not-so-pleasant side effects such as insomnia, dry mouth, tremors or tingling, a fast heart rate, or anxiety. Oh, and it's a controlled substance which means you have to make your appointments for refills, on time, on, the, dot. No rescheduling or no-shows.

2) Orlistat (Xenical/Alli): this one is a little less scary, if you want to call it that. It reduces the absorption of fat in your gut, which equals weight loss. This doesn't come without a catch though. This exact mechanism may cause some gallbladder problems, and there have even been documented cases of liver disease. But in general, it's pretty safe, and you might have a few oily stools, but that's about it. Still, is it worth it? Especially considering the fact that you are also reducing your absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, or other substances the absorption of which is improved with or "calls for" fat. Remember, not all fat is created equal, and we all need some of it.

3) Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion): scrolling down to see if there's a better option towards the end of the list? Not really. I don't mean to deter you, but it is what it is. This is a mix of two medications, an antidepressant and a drug used to treat alcohol and nicotine dependence. It reduced appetite, but in exchange, you run into the risk of having high blood pressure, increased heart rate, liver disease, seizures, intrusive and/or suicidal thoughts (even psychotic behavior), worsening depression, or a severe allergic reaction. Yes, these are rare. Your choice.

4) Injection agents: Liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy). Ok, fine, I guess you could say that these ones are a bit more friendly. These were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but are not approved to use as weight loss agents. They work on a hormone called GLP-1 to increase satiety and reduce appetite. The downside is, they are injections. In terms of side effects, these tend to be pretty mild: nausea, upset stomach or abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, etc. There are some other diabetes medications that cause weight loss as a side effect, so I'm just going to use this as an opportunity to tell you, please, don't take or seek non-FDA-approved medications just for weight loss and go ahead and use them as such.

As you can see, some of the adverse effects of weight loss agents can outweigh the benefits. And all things considered, even if they do work, you may regain the weight after. Even if you don't, you still need to change and continue to actively maintain your diet and exercise habits. Personally for me, seems like a lousy trade-off. Extra doctor's visits, bills, costs, side effects, and for what?