Which medication is listed for obesity management in youths aged 16 and older (tertiary care)?

Which medication is listed for obesity management in youths aged 16 and older (tertiary care)?

• A. Orlistat
• B. Sibutramine
• C. VLC diet
• D. Exercise

Answer: (B)

In youths 16 and older, pharmacologic options for obesity are limited and must be used alongside lifestyle changes. Among the listed choices, the medication that is appropriate for this age group is orlistat. Orlistat works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, which reduces fat absorption from the diet. Because weight loss with this drug depends on dietary fat intake, it’s most effective when paired with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Side effects are mainly gastrointestinal, such as oily stools or flatulence with discharge, and it can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so a multivitamin is usually recommended at a different time than the orlistat dose. Sibutramine, historically used as an appetite suppressant, has been withdrawn from the market due to serious cardiovascular safety concerns and is not used in youths. Very low-calorie diet and regular exercise are important foundations of obesity management but are not medications.

In youths 16 and older, pharmacologic options for obesity are limited and must be used alongside lifestyle changes. Among the listed choices, the medication that is appropriate for this age group is orlistat. Orlistat works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, which reduces fat absorption from the diet. Because weight loss with this drug depends on dietary fat intake, it’s most effective when paired with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Side effects are mainly gastrointestinal, such as oily stools or flatulence with discharge, and it can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so a multivitamin is usually recommended at a different time than the orlistat dose.

Sibutramine, historically used as an appetite suppressant, has been withdrawn from the market due to serious cardiovascular safety concerns and is not used in youths. Very low-calorie diet and regular exercise are important foundations of obesity management but are not medications.