There is the present risk of addiction or habit-formation. Even if a person chooses to buy prescription weight loss medication, this can still be a problem. Dependence or reliance on any given medication, weight loss or otherwise, is a serious source of both psychological and physical concern. All weight loss medications on the market are controlled substances, which means that there are a number of restrictions in place that prevent doctors from prescribing them. Instances of addiction and dependence are rare for appetite suppressants and weight loss drugs, but statistics have shown that people with a history of either drug or alcohol abuse tend to have a higher risk of becoming dependent on almost any substance. Weight loss pills have not been shown to be exempted from this rule.
Tolerance and the “weight loss plateau” are also concerns. Essentially, if a person uses any given drug or medication for a given period, then there is the possibility that the body would learn to adapt to it. The body adapts to whatever effects that given medication has on it, effectively rendering it useless. Tolerance can seriously impede on someone's weight loss program, particularly if it is depended on the use of any one weight loss drug. There is currently not enough clinical evidence to show that tolerance is a problem with weight loss medications, but doctors will often consider it to be such for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment. Also, most patients' weight loss programs tend to “even off” after a certain period, which may indicate that the drug being used is no longer effective.
Side effects are actually a minor concern when it comes to weight loss medication, mainly because most of them are minor and begin to fade after regular use. However, there are some instances where they have become near-fatal or fatal, though these are rare events. The side effects can differ from drug to drug, with some causing internal cramping and intestinal discomfort, while others nervousness and euphoria are more common for others. As with any other medication, it would be wise to consult a medical professional whenever side effects occur.
Finally, there is the problem of the medication being the only measure the patient takes. Weight loss goals are attained by a combination of factors and steps, not by a single approach alone. However, some estimate that most people who use weight loss medication are almost entirely dependent on the pills to keep weight off, forgoing other details like proper exercise and dietary control.
