not asking for cosmetic wt.loss reasons. it is for person who is getting heavier, seems related to round the clock caregiving for wife of 50 years.. . . and his overall health is a concern. His wt loss would be for preventive , health care reasons. I am amazed that primary care doctor would not say: here's the program we are going to put you on,.as the "do no harm" is not making sense to me, if the doctor fails to address this and TRY to help him. I feel that one of these meds or some other....might help him get a "kick" start. He is a former Marine (oops..once a marine, always a marine) -- in his 70s....his recent days are filled with loving care of his wife. I know he doesn't want to be heavy but has pretty much given up. I think its getting worse because he's probably depressed on some level but doesn't know it ( a guy thing/marine thing?).
Q: What is sibutramine? Also, is lamictal, topomax or concerta ever "off label" for wt loss?
An in depth description of Sibutramine is located here. It apparently is used to help control hunger and, along with a low calorie diet, to lose weight. That's the hard part, the diet. Some big changes in eating and grocery shopping, at a minimum have to occur, some exercise is good too.
A doctor probably should be interested in weight loss at any age, but your friend may be reluctant to switch doctors, if necessary. There are big adjustments to make and I feel for your friend, what he is going through, with his wife and he probably feels so overwhelmed. If anyone can turn it around, a Marine can.
I can't answer your other drug question, as far as antidepressants go, a writer here, Merely Me, wrote an article, here, about which are least likely to gain weight, one, Wellbutrin, is apparently used by some doctors to help lose weight. A discussion with his doctor, or another, about his depression and weight is something he could do, unfortunately the answer is not in drugs alone.
You can find a lot of information about Caregiving here at Health Central at CareConnection, Weight issues and Diet & Exercise.
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