Which medication is approved for weight management in adolescents over 16 years old?

Which medication is approved for weight management in adolescents over 16 years old?

• A. Orlistat
• B. Sibutramine
• C. Phentermine
• D. Metformin

Answer: (B)

Medications for weight management in teens are chosen based on what has been approved for their age and how the drug works to influence appetite or body weight. Sibutramine works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which increases satiety and helps reduce food intake. In the context of this question, it is presented as the option approved for adolescents over 16 years old, making it the best fit for that specific age requirement. By contrast, orlistat works by preventing fat absorption in the gut and is approved for youths starting around age 12, so it doesn’t meet the “over 16” criterion in this scenario. Phentermine is primarily approved for adults for short-term use, not typically for teens in standard practice. Metformin is not a primary weight-loss medication; it’s used for insulin resistance and related conditions, with weight change being a secondary effect rather than a primary indication for obesity management. Keep in mind that sibutramine has significant safety concerns and has been withdrawn in many places due to cardiovascular risks, so its use in current practice is limited and this question reflects a historical or exam-specific framing rather than standard current guidelines.

Medications for weight management in teens are chosen based on what has been approved for their age and how the drug works to influence appetite or body weight. Sibutramine works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which increases satiety and helps reduce food intake. In the context of this question, it is presented as the option approved for adolescents over 16 years old, making it the best fit for that specific age requirement.

By contrast, orlistat works by preventing fat absorption in the gut and is approved for youths starting around age 12, so it doesn’t meet the “over 16” criterion in this scenario. Phentermine is primarily approved for adults for short-term use, not typically for teens in standard practice. Metformin is not a primary weight-loss medication; it’s used for insulin resistance and related conditions, with weight change being a secondary effect rather than a primary indication for obesity management.

Keep in mind that sibutramine has significant safety concerns and has been withdrawn in many places due to cardiovascular risks, so its use in current practice is limited and this question reflects a historical or exam-specific framing rather than standard current guidelines.