Can Diet Drugs Help My Child / Teenager Lose Weight?

The only medication that has shown some promise in helping teenagers lose weight is Sibutramine, better known as Meridia. This medication increases feeling of satiety or fullness after eating relatively small amounts of food and decreases interest in food, as well. In both human and animal studies with adults, it produces modest weight loss as long as it is maintained. In other words, people often rapidly re-gain weight lost through diet medications when they stop using the medications. There are some preliminary studies showing related benefits for teenagers.

Sibutramine/Meridia can increase blood pressure and have other side effects. Most pediatricians and psychologists recommend trying to help teenagers lose weight through consistent low-fat eating, lots of activity, and other methods of staying focused. Specialized weight loss camps and other programs (including Weight Watchers) may be useful. They help educate teenagers about effective eating and also help them stay focused.