What Is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a prescription medication designed to treat obesity. The drug is prescribed on a short-term basis for only a few weeks, and it is intended for use by obese patients (individuals with a body mass index of thirty or higher) who have not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. First developed in the late 1950s, this medicine is the most commonly prescribed weight loss drug in the United States. Patients who take phentermine are also asked to follow a weight loss program approved by their doctor. The program includes a reduced-calorie diet, an exercise routine, and a behavior modification course. When considering patients for phentermine use, doctors will conduct a physical examination to determine whether the patient has weight-related health issues that could be improved with the medication. They will check the patient's blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose measurements, and they may also run tests to check the patient's cardiovascular health. While obese patients with high cholesterol or glucose may be prescribed this drug, doctors do not normally prescribe it for individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease.