Medifast and diet pills: can you use weight loss drugs with the Medifast program?

Many people wonder if it is okay to use weight loss medications, such as appetite suppressants, with the Medifast program. Here is an overview of which drugs can and cannot be used with Medifast.

First, let’s take a look at the medications available. There are only a handful of different ones that are FDA approved specifically for weight loss. The best known are Meridia, which suppresses appetite and helps increase the body’s ability to burn fat; Phentermine, which decreases appetite and stimulates metabolism; and Orlistat, which partially blocks your body’s ability to digest and absorb the fats you eat.

Both Meridia and Orlistat (also known as Xenical) are approved for long-term use. Phentermine is approved for short-term use only because it can be potentially addictive. With your doctor’s approval, both Meridia and Phentermine can generally be used safely with the Medifast program. Orlistat, on the other hand, should not be used with Medifast because the meals are already very low in fat and you need some fat in your diet for certain vitamins.

All of these are only available through your doctor if you meet certain criteria related to your BMI. However, if you have obesity and related health conditions, you may want to discuss your options with your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor about Medifast as well so he or she can discuss the best way to use it along with any medications.

Also, I should mention that there is also an over-the-counter medication that is similar to Orlistat. This is Ali. You’ve probably already heard of him. Since you shouldn’t take Orlistat while you’re using Medifast, you shouldn’t take Alli either. Because it’s a fat blocker, it can mean you’ll get too little vitamin D and other important fat-soluble vitamins if you take it along with Medifast.

However, before you decide to ask your doctor about a prescription, you may want to try the Medifast program on its own for a few weeks. Because of the way the program works, most people who use it to lose weight find that they really aren’t that hungry after the first three to five days.

Because Medifast is high in protein and provides adequate fiber, it works to give you a feeling of fullness that should keep you from feeling hungry. Plus, once you’re in the fat-burning state known as ketosis, it also tends to suppress your appetite. So most dieters do just fine without the need for an additional appetite suppressant. However, if you still need to control your hunger and want some extra help, there are definitely weight loss medications you can take with Medifast. You’ll just have to talk to your doctor about them to see if there’s one that’s right for you.