Obesity is a chronic disease that affects many people and often requires long-term treatment to support and sustain weight loss. As in other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, long-term use of prescription weight loss medications may be appropriate for some people.

Prescription weight loss medications should be used by patients who are at increased medical risk because of their weight, and carefully by those who just want to loose a couple of pounds. Prescription weight loss medications are approved only for the patients with a body mass index of 30 and above or 27 and above if they have obesity-related conditions.

Because of the bad press about weight-loss medications in recent years, physicians and patients equally may be suspicious of all such medications. Although for overweight patients who need to lose weight to prevent or lessen the risk of obesity-related disease, these weight loss medications can help achieve medically significant weight loss when used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes. Weight-loss medications should always be combined with a program of healthy eating and usual physical activity.

An alternative for those who want to loose weight is Mr. Trudeau’s book. In his book he reveals many home remedies and as well holistic treatments which have been very successful, and which have been used for thousands of years. He basically describes in this book a way to lose weight without depending on fad diets, pills, or other forms of weight loss treatments. To prove his point he utilized the protocols and in six weeks he lost 45 pounds. So if you have tried to lose weight and failed, you should read this book. But first of all check with your doctor before trying any weight loss diet in which you lose weight as rapidly as Mr. Trudeau claims, either you use weight loss medications or naturalistic diets.

Though, prescription weight loss medications have a history of being successful. They are not a cure all, but they are far more reliable than some diets, because diets work differently from one patient to another.

Weight loss medications are not miracle drugs, but combined with some exercises and healthy food they can help you get slim and all that in short time too. Weight loss medications may sound like a dieter's dream but they are generally reserved for people who are unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and often have health problems as a result.

As you consider weight loss medications, make sure that you make every effort to exercise, change your eating habits and adjust any other lifestyle factors that have contributed to your surplus weight. Weight loss medications aren't the easy answer to weight loss, but they can be a useful tool to help you make the necessary diet and lifestyle change.

Currently, most available weight loss medications approved by the FDA are for short-term use, meaning a few weeks or months. The majority available weight loss medications are "appetite-suppressant" medications. Appetite suppressants promote weight loss by tricking the body into believing that it is not hungry or that it is full. Some people have lost more than 10% of their initial body weight with the help of weight loss medications. This is a large enough amount to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other obesity-related health complications. Patients generally experience a maximum weight loss within 6 months of starting medication treatment.