Medicines for obesity

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Obesity is a growing problem that affects both health and quality of life for many people. For some, anti-obesity medications can be a valuable aid in successfully losing weight and improving their overall health, especially if other methods have not worked. In this article, we go over how anti-obesity drugs work, what results you can expect and who can be helped by them.

What is overweight and obesity?

Overweight means that the body has a higher amount of fat than is considered healthy, while obesity, or obesity, is a more serious condition classified as a chronic disease. The more you weigh, the greater the risk that you will also suffer from other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

There are several ways to assess your weight and determine whether you are overweight or obese, for example by calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index) or measuring your waist measurement. These methods can give an indication of whether your weight is within a healthy range or whether you are at risk for other diseases. In women, the risk of disease increases with a waist measurement of 80 centimeters or more, and in men 94 centimeters or more. The risk increases if you simultaneously have a BMI over 25.0.

How to calculate your BMI

To calculate your BMI, you divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters raised to two. The formula looks like this: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m x m). For example, if you weigh 70 kg and are 1.75 m tall, you calculate your BMI by first multiplying your height by itself (1.75 × 1.75 = 3.06) and then dividing your weight by that value (70 ÷ 3.06 = 22.9). Your BMI is then 22.9, which is within the range for normal weight.

Below is an account of which BMI classes are available

• Under 18.5: underweight
• 18.5-24.9: normal weight
• 25-29.9: overweight
• Over 30: obesity/obesity

What are anti-obesity drugs?

Anti-obesity drugs are medications developed to help severely overweight or obese people lose weight. They work in different ways, for example by reducing appetite or affecting the body's absorption of fat. Anti-obesity drugs are usually approved for people with a BMI over 30, or for people with a BMI over 27 who also have other obesity-related diseases, such as high blood pressure, high blood fats or type 2 diabetes. Since obesity is a chronic disease, it can be very difficult to lose weight solely with the help of a changed diet and exercise, and then medication can be a good supplement.

Approved anti-obesity drugs in Sweden

In Sweden, there are a number of drugs that are approved for the treatment of obesity. All are prescription-only and have undergone thorough testing to check that they are both safe and effective. The drugs are available in the form of syringes and tablets.

Non-prescription drugs for obesity

In Sweden, the drugs approved for treatment against obesity are subject to prescription. However, there are some non-prescription alternatives, so-called diet pills, which are sold at pharmacies, for example dietary supplements that increase burning or reduce the feeling of hunger. Over-the-counter diet pills should be used with caution and as directed. They do not produce the same results as prescription alternatives.

Anti-obesity drugs and high-cost protection

Some medicines against obesity are covered by the Swedish high-cost protection, which means that the cost of these medicines is reduced when you reach a certain level of expenditure on medicines during a twelve-month period. However, most medicines are not covered by the high-cost protection, but you have to bear the entire cost yourself if you are prescribed it. Ask your doctor or the pharmacy what applies to you.

Are anti-obesity drugs right for you?

If you are considering starting to use anti-obesity medication, it is important to consult a doctor who can help you decide if it is the right choice for you. The decision depends on several things, such as your current state of health, your weight and whether you have previously tried to lose weight with other methods.

Remember that anti-obesity drugs are not a quick fix, but a tool that can support you on the way to a healthier lifestyle. The goal is that in the long term you will be able to maintain the weight without medication.

Do you want to know more about drug treatment against obesity or other methods for weight loss? Complete our health form for personal advice. If you meet the criteria for drug treatment, we at Recetas Medicas can help you with prescriptions and an individually tailored treatment plan.

Reviewer: Sanna, Specialist in general medicine, Recetas Medicas