Non-Surgical Options

A healthy diet, regular exercise and behavior modification are essential for weight loss.

But if you're among those who struggle to lose weight and the excess weight has produced medical problems, prescription weight-loss drugs may be able to help you. However, medications should not be used as a substitute for diet and exercise.

Your doctor may consider you a candidate for medication treatment if these criteria apply:

• Other methods of weight loss haven't worked for you.
• Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 27 and you have medical complications of obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
• Your BMI is greater than 30.