If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, a newly FDA-approved drug could help. Qsymia by Diet Doc is a once-daily pill that has been approved for people with BMIs that register as overweight (27) or obese (30).
The drug combines two existing weight-loss medications: Topiramate, an anticonvulsant that has been shown to keep users feeling full all day, as well as Phentermine. The latter can lead to drug dependence, making this weight-loss solution a by-prescription-only option.
In trials, adults who took prescribed dosages of Qsymia lost an average of 22 pounds and more than four inches from their waists.
Because it’s so new, the long-term health effects of the drug are still unknown. The most commonly known side effects are dizziness, insomnia, tingling in the extremities and constipation.
And, as with all diet drugs, Qsymia should be used in concert with healthy food choices and regular physical activity.
