MERIDIA works by affecting appetite control centers in the brain.

In medical studies in overweight people, MERIDIA, along with a reduced calorie diet, produced significant reductions in body weight.

MERIDIA should be used as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program, supervised by your doctor, that includes a reduced calorie diet and appropriate physical activity.
A weight-loss program that includes a reduced calorie diet and appropriate physical activity may be adequate in some patients. You should discuss with your doctor whether MERIDIA should be added to such a program.

MERIDIA is recommended for overweight people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for overweight people with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have medical risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Your doctor can determine your BMI and will decide if you meet these criteria. Every person will respond differently to MERIDIA when used as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program. You may be able to lose 4 or more pounds of body weight in the first month you take MERIDIA. If you find that you do not lose at least 4 pounds during the first month, you should notify your doctor so he or she can re-evaluate your situation. Your doctor may wish to change your dose of MERIDIA.

Most people who lose weight on MERIDIA lose it in the first 6 months of treatment. Scientific studies that lasted two years have shown that many people who lost weight and remained on MERIDIA therapy maintained their weight loss.