A 52-year-old patient with BMI 28 and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes asks whether weight-loss medication is appropriate. According to common prescribing criteria discussed in class, what is the most appropriate response?

• A. Deny any pharmacologic options because BMI must be ≥35 for any medication to be considered even with medical comorbidities
• B. Prescribe unregulated herbal stimulants immediately because they produce rapid weight loss and have no interactions with diabetes medications
• C. Consider pharmacotherapy because BMI ≥27 with obesity-related comorbidity (type 2 diabetes) can meet typical indications; discuss mechanism, benefits, risks, and that OTC supplements lack reliable efficacy data
• D. Recommend only over-the-counter supplements because they are regulated like drugs and always safer than prescription medications

Answer: (C)