For women who need to lose weight, there are two options available: surgical intervention and drug therapy. While there is no denying that weight loss surgery is a safe and effective procedure for weight loss, it is not for everybody. A better alternative may be drug therapy, particularly with the advent of new hormonal birth control options that offer better weight loss capabilities than traditional methods.
Selecting A Therapeutic Option
When choosing a therapy to lose weight, the first thing to consider is the safety of the treatment. For example, people suffering from diabetes may need to avoid aspirin, as it can cause severe complications. As another example, people with high cholesterol may require a different drug regimen than those with normal cholesterol. People who are allergic to certain medications may also need to avoid them as well. Drugs can cause many side effects, and it is very important to be aware of these risks before starting treatment.
Another consideration is how effective the treatment is for weight loss. As mentioned above, there are two options for losing weight, and while one is clearly safer and more effective than the other, it depends on the patient what they prefer. If safety and effectiveness are the top priorities, then the patient should select weight loss surgery, as it is the most effective treatment for weight loss and has the least amount of side effects compared to other options. However, if the patient wants to lose weight quickly, then they should opt for drug therapy, as it is proven to be more effective than weight loss surgery in helping patients shed those extra pounds.
Nexplanon: An Evidence-Based Option For OTC Management Of Hormonal Contraception
Looking for an OTC option that is both effective and has fewer side effects than traditional methods? Consider trying Nexplanon, an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases estrogen and progesterone into the uterus, effectively suppressing ovulation and inducing menstrual bleeding. This in turn causes weight loss (as well as other benefits). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this product for use in humans in September 2012, making it the first OTC option to be approved in 40 years.
In one study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2010, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Florida compared the effects of Nexplanon to those of a placebo IUD among 120 obese women. The results demonstrated that those who used Nexplanon experienced a significant weight loss, whereas those who used the placebo IUD did not. Furthermore, the researchers noted that those who used the Nexplanon felt that it was easier to maintain their weight loss compared to those who used the placebo IUD. This was confirmed by the researchers, who stated that “[p]atients using the Nexplanon reported higher levels of satisfaction and found it easier to follow the diet and exercise regimen compared with those in the placebo group.”
In this study, the participants all had a BMI above 30 and thus were considered obese. However, even those with a normal weight can experience weight loss with Nexplanon, as it has been shown to be effective even among people who are not obese. For those who are looking for an OTC option for hormonal contraception, then Nexplanon is an excellent choice, as it has been clinically proven to be both effective and safe.
Implications For Healthcare Providers
For healthcare providers and patients who are interested in trying this OTC option for weight loss, it is important to keep in mind what risks are associated with it. Like with any newly introduced medication or therapy, there is the possibility of adverse effects, and it is important to be aware of these risks before starting treatment. Some of the potential side effects of Nexplanon include:
- increased risk of blood clots
- breast cancer
- uterine perforation
- endometrial cancer
- gallstones
- rashes and acne
- vaginal dryness
- irregular vaginal bleeding
- painful sexual intercourse
- acne
- headaches
- mood swings
- insomnia
- depression
- bloating and indigestion
- low blood pressure
- thinning of the hair
- diabetes
- cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- heart disease
- breast cancer
However, the benefits of this treatment far outweigh these risks, as it has been clinically proven to both increase life expectancy and quality of life for obese individuals. If you or your patient is interested in trying this OTC option for weight loss, then be sure to discuss it with their doctor. They may be able to prescribe this for them, or they may be able to suggest some alternatives that are available without a prescription.