If I am on a weight loss drug, do I need to still change my diet and physical activity?

The best and most effective way to lose weight is to decrease energy intake, by cutting down on energy (kilojoules or calories) and fat intake, and to increase energy expenditure, by increasing levels of physical activity.

For many people, drug treatment offers the greatest hope of achieving their desired body weight. In any attempt of weight loss, a change in lifestyle, through diet and physical activity, should be addressed first. Generally, drug treatment is often considered if:

1) The individual is very overweight or obese and at significant medical risk because of their weight, or

2) If changes in diet and physical activity have not shown to be successful in achieving sufficient weight loss.

They (drugs) are not recommended for people who are only mildly overweight or want to lose a small amount of weight.

There can be many negatives associated with weight loss drugs:

• Not all people respond to drugs in the same way; there is huge variation in people who lose no weight and others who lose large amounts of weight.
• The consumption of weight loss drugs can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as diarrhoea and fatty stools in people taking drugs that reduce fat absorption.
• Drugs that inhibit fat absorption in the body can also prevent or limit the absorption of important nutrients in the body, which can lead to deficiencies if people don’t get enough nutrition through food.
• If the weight loss drug is misused by overweight or obese people, or people who do not need to take the drug, the effects can be detrimental.
• It is highly likely that weight regain will occur after a person stops taking their weight loss medication. Therefore maintaining healthy eating and physical activity habits will increase the likelihood of keeping the weight off or at least reducing the amount of weight regain.
• There is little information available on the safety of weight loss medications when used for a long time period.

No weight loss drug is effective on its own in treating overweight or obesity, and should only be consumed if recommended by a health professional or weight specialist. Long-term changes in diet and physical activity patterns are essential for weight loss and maintenance.