How to lose weight? Will diet pills help?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi, Ive been trying to loose weight for 2 years now, I have tried the tony fergerson diet, have eaten all the right foods, exercised and still am not able to loose any weight, its starting to really get to me. Is there anything extra I can do or take to help me boost my weight loss? I have heard about Phentermine would this be good for me? I am currently 163cm tall and weigh 71kg.

Dear Ju: I do understand you concern for weight gain even after diet and exercise. It is very important that one see a doctor before undertaking any weight loss treatment especially if there is an underlying co-morbidity. You have mentioned that you take medications for asthma. Your failure to lose weight may be due to the medication you take for asthma. Steroids taken for the treatment of asthma cause weigh gain. I would recommend that you consult your physician for a physical evaluation and workup to determine other factors that prevent your weight loss. I do not recommend that you stop your asthma medication without the advise your your doctor.

Phentermine is a psychostimulant (amphetamine) and causes appetite suppression. I would not recommend the use of phenteramine or any other oral medication for weight loss in your case. Your BMI is 26.7, making you only mildly at risk for complications due to obesity. Medications for weight loss may be beneficial to those whose BMI is more than 30. You will need to consult your physician and your dietitian to develop a plan for weight loss that is more suitable in your case due to an underlying asthma problem. I hope the information helps, take care.