Two years ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved the weight-loss drug Qsymia. It's for adults who are either obese or overweight who also have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes.
Qsymia is a combination of two drugs that are taken once a day that decrease appetite and promote weight loss.
Mercy Medical Center's Dr. Timothy Doyle said unlike other diet drugs, Qsymia can help manage a person's weight for the long-term.
"Once the patients achieve their goal in weight loss, it is perfectly safe for them to maintain a low level or low dose of the medication to keep the weight off. Hopefully the lifestyle changes they've implemented to accomplish that goal will continue so that not only the patients lose weight, but they keep it off," Doyle said.
He said Qsymia does have side effects, such as dry mouth and changes in the way foods taste.
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As for price, Doyle said some insurance companies cover the drug. If not, Qsymia's manufacturer also offers a discount plan.