Pharmacist, discusses how augmenting lifestyle improvements with medications can help obesity patients lose weight.
From birth control pills to antibiotics, there are many reasons why people work with a local pharmacist. Your local pharmacist is there not only to help fill your prescriptions, but to educate you on medications, potential drug interactions (including supplements such as vitamin B12) and healthy lifestyle changes. Some people who are obese work with a local pharmacist to manage weight loss medications. Or, if they’re recovering from bariatric weight loss surgery or gynecomastia surgery, they may work with a local pharmacist to adhere to pre- and post-surgical medications and care. A person is considered obese if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. Obesity can be a risk factor for a number of health conditions, including depression, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. That means that many people who are obese may also require heart medications, diabetes medications including insulin and antidepressants. Your local pharmacist can work closely with your health care team such as your local cardiologist or endocrinologist to ensure you’re taking your medications properly and not causing any drug interactions. Whether you’re on weight loss medications or want help with substance abuse options, your local pharmacist can help.