Which medication is approved for weight management in adolescents over 16 years old?

• A. Orlistat
• B. Sibutramine
• C. Phentermine
• D. Metformin

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is which medication has formal approval to help with weight management in teens. Orlistat fits because it is approved for individuals aged 12 and older to aid weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. It works by blocking fat absorption in the gut, so adherence to a lower-fat diet enhances its effect. Side effects can include oily stools and potential fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, so a multivitamin may be advised.

Sibutramine, on the other hand, was pulled from the market due to safety concerns, especially cardiovascular risks, so it’s not a choice for teens. Phentermine is approved only for adults and typically for short-term use, not recommended for adolescents. Metformin isn’t approved as a weight-management drug; it’s used for conditions like type 2 diabetes and PCOS, with weight change being a secondary effect rather than an approved indication.

So for an adolescent over 16, orlistat is the appropriate option among these choices.