Reduced appetite, smaller meals, and changes in digestion can all make it harder to consistently maintain hydration, protein intake, vitamins, and minerals over time
Challenges include gastrointestinal side effects, nutritional deficiencies due to calorie reduction, muscle and bone loss, low long-term adherence with subsequent weight regain, and high costs, resulting in low cost-effectiveness
Mayer ML, Miller RJ
Rushing dose escalation increases the risk of adverse effects, including lightheadedness
Wastage fees compensate pharmacies for medicines that cannot be dispensed because a pack had to be opened to supply a smaller quantity than the standard pack size, and container fees cover the cost of any additional packaging supplied with a dispensed medicine: Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing (n.d.)
N Engl J Med 2005