Exercise, diet

Another medication is called Belviq, it works on the receptors in the appetite center of the brain. It averages 8 percent body weight loss. It also has to be evaluated at 12 weeks to determine whether or not you can continue taking it.

Another medication, Contrave, combines wellbutrin, a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, with naltrexone, a drug used for addiction. It is a particularly useful option for patients who also need to stop smoking.

The final medication is called Saxenda, and it works differently. It is an injectable and is similar to medications used for controlling blood sugar. Seven percent of body weight is the average amount lost.

Many of these medications are helpful and work by blocking hunger pangs in the appetite center of the brain.

However, regardless of which medication you try, behavior medication, including exercise and diet, must be part of your long-term solution in order to be successful.

One final caveat: Don’t take over the counter natural weight loss vitamins and supplements, which often exaggerate their claims and may cause side effects.

Dr. Art Mollen is an osteopathic family physician and a health, fitness and preventive medicine expert. Reach him at 480-656-0016 or askdrartmollen @gmail.com.