Meridia is commonly known as Sibutramine. The reason for taking prescription drugs is to treat obesity, which can be related to diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It contains the active ingredient sibutramine, which works by interacting with chemicals in the brain that control appetite. Meridia is designed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher and other health issues related to obesity.