Weight Management Medication You Can Get at the Pharmacy

These percentages are only expected to grow unless people start getting more exercise and eating more healthily.

Obesity causes a long list of damaging effects on our health, including difficulty breathing, increased risk of type II diabetes and having a heart attack and it lowers our self esteem. But thankfully now many local pharmacies are now playing an active role in extending weight management services into the community.

Along with advice and support, after a private weight management consultation with the pharmacist they might recommend you try some over-the-counter (OTC) medication to help you in losing weight.

These are the two OTC weight management medications available at your local pharmacy:

Alli - This weight loss drug received a lot of media attention when it went on sale a year ago, and works by preventing the body from absorbing dietary fats. You need to take it three times a day for at least three months, and it's estimated to increase the weight loss achieved through a low calorie diet by up to 50%. It can have side effects though, such as wind and diarrhoea, and shouldn't be treated as a magic pill. You will still need to eat a low-fat diet and exercise but it can help you to reach your weight management goals.

Appesat - This contains a seaweed extract that swells in your stomach to make you feel like you're full, similar to having a gastric band fitted. Its manufacturer claims it can help you lose 10lb in 3 months. But as with Alli, you might experience some minor side effects, such as diarrhoea or indigestion.

Useful links

http://www.gm.tv/articles/34368-new-diet-pill.html

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/04April/Pages/WeightLossPillsQandA.aspx