Osmosis video - Weight loss medications: Nursing pharmacology

Weight loss medications can help manage obesity in the short term, and include anorexiants, sympathomimetic medications, lipase inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and opioid antagonists with atypical antidepressants. However, clients can experience different side effects depending on the medication taken, such as agitation, anxiety, oily rectal leakage, headaches, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Weight loss medications are contraindicated in individuals with a history of stroke, seizures, and psychiatric conditions like anorexia nervosa, depression, and bipolar disorder.

When caring for a client prescribed weight loss medication, a nursing assessment should be done to establish a baseline for weight, BMI, and vital signs. Client education is a crucial aspect of care, with a focus on safe self-administration of the medication, recognizing and reporting side effects, and adhering to any lifestyle modifications recommended by the healthcare provider, such as changes in diet and exercise.