Weight Loss

Recently Answered

  • QWhat is waist training?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Nicole Florence, MD - Springfield, IL - Internal Medicine
    A , Internal Medicine, answered
    Dr. Nicole Florence - What is waist training?
    Waist training, also called corset training, is a method where women wear a tight corset with the hopes of slimming their waist and suppressing their appetite. Watch bariatrician Nicole Florence, MD, explain this controversial weight loss concept.
  • QDo naltrexone and bupropion interact with other drugs?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD - Atlanta, GA - Emergency Medicine
    A , Emergency Medicine, answered
    If you are taking bupropion, you should not take Contrave.

    If you are taking an opioid, you should not take Contrave.

    If you are taking amantadine, carbamazepine, efavirenz, levodopa, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or a protease inhibitor, Contrave may not be a good option for you.

    You should not take Contrave while taking an MAO inhibitor or until at least 2 weeks after stopping MAO inhibitors.

    If you have stopped drinking alcohol, taking a barbiturate, a benzodiazepine, an anticonvulsant, or an opioid in the past few weeks, you should not take Contrave. 

    This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. 
  • QHow do I know if Saxenda is right for me?
    1 Answer
    A
    Taking Control Of Your Diabetes (TCOYD)
    A answered
    Saxenda is a newer type of weight loss drug. It is in a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Some GLP-1 drugs are also used to treat diabetes. However, Saxenda is not approved for this use or for people who are taking insulin.

    Saxenda may be right for you if you are obese or overweight with type 2 diabetes or other weight-related diseases. Medications for weight management should always be used along with diet and exercise and under the supervision of a qualified doctor.

    You may not be able to take Saxenda if you have problems with stomach emptying (gastroparesis), because the drug could make this problem worse.

    You should not take Saxenda if you have:
    • severe kidney or liver disease
    • a family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia
  • QWhen should prescription drugs be considered for weight loss?
    2 Answers
    A
    Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine
    A answered
    Prescription drugs may be considered for weight loss when a person is obese and has attempted a comprehensive lifestyle program that includes a healthy diet and exercise, but who has not lost 5 percent or more of body weight after three to six months. However, the effectiveness of weight loss medications is debatable, and they can have significant side effects, so not all doctors feel cofortable prescribing these medications.
    See All 2 Answers
  • QWhich type of green tea is best for weight loss?
    1 Answer
    A
    HealthyWomen
    A answered
    Some green tea varieties are better for weight loss than others. If you’re all about that green and on a weight-loss mission, you might want to choose matcha green tea -- the richest green tea source of nutrients and antioxidants.

    The whole leaf is ground and consumed as part of the beverage, as opposed to most types of green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then the tea is consumed.

    Green tea has many health benefits in addition to potential weight loss. It is rich with nutrients, including antioxidants as well as anticancer and brain-healthy compounds. 
  • QWhat are the health risks of waist training?
    2 Answers
    A
    Dr. Caroline M. Apovian, MD - Boston, MA - Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism
    A , Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism, answered
    Waist-training is controversial for many reasons, one of which being the associated risks of frequently wearing a corset, or wearing one too tightly. These include risks of acid reflux, vomiting after eating, bruising internal organs, and more. 

    Another question I would like to pose to those considering waist-training is, what are the benefits? There are no proven results in regards to weight loss, and there is no reason why anyone should believe that your shape will change through wearing a corset. Waist-training accomplishes nothing in terms of building up muscle tissue, nor in burning fat.

    There are no shortcuts to effective, permanent weight loss. The three pillars of diet, exercise, and sleep must be in place to achieve a healthy figure and lifestyle.
    See All 2 Answers
  • QWhy is it so hard for people to lose weight?
    2 Answers
    A
    Janis Jibrin, MS, RD - Washington, DC - Nutrition & Dietetics
    A , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered
    Why Is it So Hard for People to Lose Weight?
    Genetics plays a role in the ability to lose weight and keep it off. In this video I will explain how even a mother's weight during pregnancy will affect a child's likelihood of becoming overweight.
    See All 2 Answers
  • QDoes lorcaserin have any side effects?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD - Atlanta, GA - Emergency Medicine
    A , Emergency Medicine, answered
    Side effects may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, coughing, nausea, constipation, and back pain. Other side effects include heart disease, low blood sugar, slowed heart rate, blood disorders, and psychiatric symptoms. Lorcaserin can make it dangerous to drive or to operate machinery. 

    This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. 
  • QIs there a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Richard T. Leshner, DO - Langhorne, PA - Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)
    A Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered on behalf of
    There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss.  People have to personalize their programs. Some people have a hard time losing weight and need specialized programs. The genetics of people are different. Certain people are not going to reach their goal no matter how hard they try. It's a matter of genetics, and these people may need bariatric surgery. 

    Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
  • QWhat is naltrexone and bupropion intended to treat?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD - Atlanta, GA - Emergency Medicine
    A , Emergency Medicine, answered
    Naltrexone was developed to treat alcohol and drug dependence. Bupropion is used to treat depression. Contrave is a combination of these two drugs, approved for weight loss in people with a BMI of 30 or more. It is also approved for people with a BMI of 27 to 30 who have certain conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It should be used along with diet and exercise. 

    This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.