Are there any medications to reduce weight?

Question

Hello doctor,

My cousin is 42 years old, and he has really been struggling with his weight for years now. He is over 300 pounds now, and it has started to really affect him. It is not like he has not tried, he has done all sorts of diets, joined gyms, and even tried that meal-delivery thing, but nothing seems to stick.

He gets winded just going up a flight of stairs, and he says his knees hurt all the time. He is really worried, but at the same time, I think he feels kind of stuck. He feels embarrassed to go to the gym because he thinks people stare at him, and he says even walking for a bit makes his back hurt. Is there something different he should be looking into, like medication or a specialist?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It is essential to consult a bariatric specialist or an endocrinologist to rule out hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, or hormonal imbalances. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved medications for weight loss, which can help reduce appetite and improve weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. If your cousin’s BMI (body mass index) is very high and he has obesity-related health issues (like knee pain or difficulty breathing), weight-loss surgery (for example: gastric sleeve or bypass) could be a long-term solution upon physical examination by his doctor. It is essential to consult a dietician. Weight struggles often come with emotional distress. A consultation with a counselor will be helpful.

It is essential to:

Do low-impact activities like swimming or water aerobics. It will reduce strain on joints while improving fitness.
Do chair workouts or light resistance exercises for strength-building.
Do short walks.
Take a balanced diet.
Avoid crash diets.
Avoid emotional eating.
Take adequate sleep.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.