When is drug treatment for obesity indicated?
Medicines to treat obesity are prescribed for people who have body mass index BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² or BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one co-morbidity (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fat metabolism disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)).
Drug treatment is recommended especially when dietary changes and physical activity have not been successful enough in achieving sustained weight loss, and the person is already feeling the effects (disease) of overeating.