Weight loss is the decrease in body weight as a result of voluntary or involuntary
circumstances. Involuntary weight loss is influenced by illnesses such as cancer, chronic
diarrheal illnesses, and rheumatoid arthritis. In normal circumstances,
weight loss arises due to the loss of fats in the body. However, extreme weight loss is
characterized by the depletion of proteins and other substances in the body. Weight loss helps
individuals lower their blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. The extra weight may be influenced by eating behaviors, lifestyle, hormones, and genetic factors. What is the most
effective medications that would help Ms. Whitley, a 26-year-old female with a history of
asthma, lose 20 lbs. of weight she gained in college.

Recommended medications

Phentermine is one of the effective drugs prescribed for weight loss. Phentermine works
by activating the patient’s sympathetic nervous system, decreasing appetite. Therefore, phentermine suppresses appetite, and thus people taking it tend to eat less. The drug belongs to a class of drugs called CNS Stimulants. Phentermine operates under the generic
names Adipex-P and Lomaira. The drug is administered orally as a tablet
or a capsule once or twice a day. The recommended starting dosage ranges between 15mg to
37mg and should be taken before or few hours after breakfast.
Phentermine is commonly prescribed for weight loss because it acts by making an individual feel full longer. The drug is also effective for people such as Ms. Whitley, who have underlying health conditions.

Potential side effects and drug interaction

Some of the side effects of phentermine include dizziness, nausea, irritability, diarrhea,
and dry mouth. People taking the drug may also experience sleeplessness, nervousness,
vomiting, and tingling. Combining phentermine with Acetaminophen
increases the risk of developing serious heart problems characterized by shortness of breath and
chest pain. Patients taking phentermine should not drink alcohol as it
increases the risk of side effects. Phentermine drug interacts with Albuterol causing an increase
in adrenaline effects, which affects blood pressure heart rate.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions

Some of the non-pharmaceutical interventions I would recommend for Ms. Whitley
include physical exercise, diets, and cognitive-behavioral interventions.
She should also avoid alcohol and tobacco exposure and medications that worsen asthma.

Patient education

I would educate Ms. Whitley to learn her triggers and avoid them. I would also educate
the patient to ensure that she takes medications when she should. Also, I would educate the
patient to use the quick-acting medicine as soon as she starts noticing symptoms. This is because
women with asthma tend to exhibit fewer symptoms of attacks when they are on birth control.
Studies show that asthmatic women using birth control pills have fewer severe flare-ups.
Research studies also argue that hormone changes may worsen asthma. APA