If you have been overweight for most of your life, you are probably tired of the struggle. Not only do many people struggle with the self-confidence issues that can come with being overweight or obese, but there are countless negative health outcomes associated with those extra pounds. You would probably be happy to use just about any product that could help you change this situation, which is why options like Contrave are so attractive.
But is it right for you? There are a variety of FDA-approved weight loss pills on the market today, so even once you have decided to go this direction, it can still be tough to pick out the right one. In this post, we’ll take a quick look at what this is and why it may or may not be right for you. Of course, this is a prescription medication, so you will need to consult with your doctor to decide if it is a good match for your situation.
What is Contrave?
The goal of this pill is to help patients get away from feelings of hunger and cravings for food. Achieving this goal is difficult, of course, so this drug is actually a combination of two drugs – bupropion and naltrexone. It is believed that each of these two components can help achieve at the end result of reduced hunger and cravings.
Qualifying Factors
In order to be prescribed Contrave, you will not only need to discuss it with your doctor, but you’ll also need to fall within certain qualifying parameters. For starters, you will need to have a BMI of at least 27. Those in the BMI range of 27-30 are classified as overweight, but that alone won’t qualify you for this drug. In addition, you would need to have a condition that makes heart attack or stroke more likely.
For those who are categorized as obese by the BMI scale, that second qualifying condition is no longer relevant. So, if you have a BMI over 30, you will likely be eligible to use Contrave, provided your doctor thinks it is a good choice and there are no other conditions that exclude you from eligibility.
Speaking of exclusions, there are issues that could prevent you from using Contrave, even if you would otherwise be eligible. For instance, those who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant should not take the drug. Likewise, anyone with a known eating disorder or seizure disorder should not be prescribed Contrave. It’s important to be open and honest with your doctor about all existing conditions so the right decision can be made about your treatment.
It’s Not a Magic Pill
Where so many people run into trouble with various diet pills is that they treat the pill as the solution to their weight problem. That just isn’t going to be the case, and it won’t be the case here. The path to success with Contrave is going to be lined with exercise and a smart, healthy diet. If you make no dietary changes and don’t add exercise to your daily routine, there is no reason to expect results.
Yet again, this is where it is so important to work together with your doctor. You will need to get approval from your medical professional to engage in a new exercise routine, and you may also be able to get help with your dietary choices – perhaps with a referral to a dietician. Eating better and adding exercise to your daily routine can go a long way toward improving your weight and overall health.
Contact Beverly Hills Cardiovascular Right Away
Thank you for visiting our blog, and we hope this post has been helpful as you consider your weight loss options. If you would like to make an appointment with Dr. David Filsoof and our friendly team, please contact our office during business hours for assistance. Included in the many services we offer is electrocardiogram, treadmill exercise stress test, and cardioversion. We look forward to serving you!
