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 (Dixon & Gerald, 2015). 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
(Dixon & Gerald, 2015). The extra weight may be influenced by eating behaviors, lifestyle,
hormones, and genetic factors (Dixon & Gerald, 2015). This paper will recommend 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. It will also discuss the potential side effects,
the drug interaction for the patient, recommend non-pharmaceutical interventions and mention
the type of patient education I would provide.
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 (Hollander et al.,
2017). 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 (Hollander et al., 2017). 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 (Hollander et al., 2017).
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 (Hollander et al., 2017). Combining phentermine with Acetaminophen
increases the risk of developing serious heart problems characterized by shortness of breath and
chest pain (Hollander et al., 2017). 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 (Hollander et al., 2017). Weight loss
Non-pharmaceutical interventions

Some of the non-pharmaceutical interventions I would recommend for Ms. Whitley
include physical exercise, diets, and cognitive-behavioral interventions (Schuers et al., 2019).
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. Weight loss

In conclusion, weight loss helps individuals to lower their blood sugar levels, lower blood
pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. Phentermine is one of the effective drugs prescribed for
weight loss. Phentermine acts by decreasing one’s feeling full longer. The side effects of
phentermine include dizziness, nausea, and irritability. Taking phentermine with Acetaminophen
increases the risk of developing serious heart problems. Taking the drug alongside Albuterol
increases adrenaline effects in the patient’s body. Physical exercise, diets, and cognitive-
behavioral interventions avoiding tobacco and alcohol exposure are some of the non-
pharmaceutical interventions available for the patient.

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