What Pharmacists Should Prepare Patients for When Taking Weight-Loss Medications

Pharmacists can help set realistic expectations for patients taking weight-loss medications, according to Jennifer L. Costello, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, ambulatory care clinical pharmacist at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

For most weight-loss treatments, patients in clinical trials saw an average weight loss of 5% to 10% of their body weight. These results were seen among patients who were, concurrently, adhering to calorie-restricted diets and exercise regimens of 150 minutes per week.