Weight-Loss Drugs

If you are overweight, you are not alone. Sixty-six percent of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Achieving a healthy weight can help you control your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. It might also help you prevent weight-related diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.

Eating too much or not being physically active enough will make you overweight. To maintain your weight, the calories you eat must equal the energy you burn. To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat. A weight-control strategy might include

• Choosing low-fat, low-calorie foods
• Eating smaller portions
• Drinking water instead of sugary drinks
• Being physically active

It’s best to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise. But if you’re among those who struggle to lose weight and the excess weight has produced medical problems, weight-loss drugs may be able to help you.

Weight-loss drugs can improve your health, if used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Find out if you could benefit from taking these medications.