Articles
Prescription weight-loss drugs
Common weight-loss drugs
Safety of weight-loss drugs
Factors to consider
What drugs are approved in the U.S. for weight loss?
Who is a candidate for weight-loss drugs?
How long does drug therapy last?
Content
Who can take weight-loss drugs?
How well do weight-loss drugs work?
What you should know about weight-loss drugs
How long do I take a weight-loss drug?
What drugs are approved for weight loss?
The bottom line
Safety of weight-loss drugs
Factors to consider
What drugs are approved in the U.S. for weight loss?
Who is a candidate for weight-loss drugs?
How long does drug therapy last?
Content
Who can take weight-loss drugs?
How well do weight-loss drugs work?
What you should know about weight-loss drugs
How long do I take a weight-loss drug?
What drugs are approved for weight loss?
The bottom line
How long do I take a weight-loss drug?
How long you take a weight-loss drug depends on whether the drug helps you lose weight. If you've lost enough weight to improve your health and you haven't had serious side effects, your health care provider may suggest that you take the drug long term.
If you haven't lost at least 5% of your body weight after taking the full dose of a drug for 3 to 6 months, your health care provider will probably change your treatment. They may switch you to a different weight-loss drug.