Most prescription diet drugs are appetite
suppressants. Because they carry risks, they are recommended
only for people who are at increased medical risk because of their
weight. You may be a candidate for prescription diet drugs if
you fall into one of these two groups:
Your BMI (Body
Mass Index) is 25 to 29.9 and you have either high blood pressure,
Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin requiring), high cholesterol or triglycerides,
or sleep apnea and you have tried losing weight through diet and
exercise for at least six months.
Your BMI is 30 or above and you have tried
losing weight through diet and exercise for at least six months.
Appetite suppressant medications may be
appropriate for carefully selected patients who are at significant
medical risk because of their obesity. They are not recommended
for use by people who are only mildly overweight unless they have
health problems that is made worse by their weight.
Please Note:
Fat-Absorption Inhibitors
are also only recommended for serious cases of obesity.
Consult with your doctor before taking any type of diet medication.
How
do I choose? 
