Control with anorexiant medications.

OBJECTIVE: To show why women are still seeking anorexiant medications despite current concerns over their use.
DESIGN: In-depth interviews using grounded theory methodology.
SETTING: Participants chose where they were to be interviewed. PARTICIPANTS: Women older than 18 years who had previously taken or were currently taking anorexiant medications for the purpose of losing weight.
METHOD: Nine women completed two semistructured in-depth interviews during which they described their experiences from the time they began pharmacologic therapy for obesity until they discontinued the medications. Interview data were compiled and analyzed until saturation was reached. MAIN OUTCOME
FINDINGS: Control was an important factor for the women. Their previous lack of control was due to frustration with failed dieting attempts and feeling pressure from others to lose weight. Prescription medications controlled physiologic hunger while the women sought to lose weight. Increased control over hunger and a decrease in weight gave participants confidence to continue their weight-loss efforts without the medications. Once the medications were discontinued, the women were able to maintain weight control through various lifestyle modifications.
CONCLUSIONS: Anorexiant medications provide some women with a perception of control that helps them lose weight and not regain it. Health care professionals should be aware of their patients' struggles with weight loss and understand the importance of these medications for some patients.