Top Weight Loss Medications

Drugs Prescribed as Part of a Medical Weight Loss Program

When working with a medically supervised weight loss program, certain FDA-approved medications can be highly effective in helping you manage your weight by controlling appetite and boosting metabolism. Here’s a look at one of the primary medications used in the United States, along with its benefits and potential side effects.

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic).

Semaglutide mimics the action of the hormone GLP-1, which performs the following functions in the body.

• Creates a Feeling of Satiety: the brain receives a signal that there is enough food and the desire to eat decreases.
• Keeps You Feeling Full: after taking semaglutide, it will be easier for you to refuse extra food.
• Supports Blood Sugar Control: gives a signal to the pancreas about the need to synthesize insulin - this helps to efficiently process glucose and maintain normal blood sugar levels.
• Slows Digestion: slows the progression of food through the digestive system - this allows you to feel satiety longer after eating.

Side Effects

Some people may experience nausea or diarrhea when they start taking Semaglutide, but these side effects typically lessen as your body adjusts. About 20-30% of patients report these issues, but they’re usually mild and tend to resolve on their own.

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Liraglutide, much like Semaglutide, targets the GLP-1 hormone in your body, which plays a key role in managing hunger and digestion. Here’s what it does.

• Reduces Appetite: Liraglutide helps curb your cravings and reduces the urge to snack or overeat.
• Enhances Blood Sugar Management: It assists your body in utilizing glucose more efficiently, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable.
• Slows Digestion: By delaying gastric emptying, Liraglutide helps you stay fuller for longer periods, reducing the temptation to eat between meals.

Potential Side Effects

Some patients may experience nausea or digestive issues, especially when starting the treatment. These side effects are common, affecting about 10-20% of patients, but they typically decrease in severity over time and remain manageable for most people.

Qsymia

Qsymia is a combination medication that brings together two active ingredients, phentermine and topiramate, to help with weight loss. Here’s how it works.

• Suppresses Appetite: Qsymia helps you feel less hungry, making it easier to reduce your food intake.
• Reduces Food Cravings: It can make food less appealing, which can help curb overeating.
• Boosts Metabolism: This medication increases your metabolic rate, helping your body burn calories more quickly.

Potential Side Effects

Common side effects of Qsymia include dry mouth, constipation, and insomnia, affecting around 15-25% of patients. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to diminish as your body gets used to the medication.

Contrave

Contrave combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, to help with weight management. Here’s what it does.

• Reduces Food Cravings: Contrave helps lessen the urge to snack, making it easier to stick to your eating plan.
• Controls Appetite: It assists in maintaining a healthy balance between hunger and fullness, helping you avoid overeating.
• Addresses Emotional Eating: This medication can help you manage stress without turning to food, reducing the likelihood of emotional overeating.

Potential Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and headaches, which affect about 10-20% of patients. These issues usually improve within the first few weeks of treatment. However, some patients may experience changes in mood, so it’s important to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.

Orlistat (Alli)

Orlistat is a weight loss medication that acts as a lipase inhibitor, effectively blocking the absorption of fats in your digestive system.

• Blocks Fat Absorption: Orlistat prevents about 25% of the fat you eat from being digested, which means these fats are eliminated from your body instead of being stored.
• Reduces Calorie Intake: By restricting the amount of fat absorbed, Orlistat helps you lower your overall calorie intake, supporting your weight loss efforts.

Orlistat is available over-the-counter under the brand name Alli, but it's still important to consult with your doctor before starting it to ensure it's safe and suitable for you.

Potential Side Effects

One common side effect of Orlistat is oily bowel movements. This happens because the undigested fats are expelled through your digestive system, which can result in greasy or oily stools. You might notice this as greasy spots on your underwear or toilet paper, or in the form of loose stools, especially if you’ve consumed a high-fat meal. While this side effect can be inconvenient, it’s not harmful to your health.

Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity

Are You Ready to Transform Your Health?

If you’re considering medical weight loss and want to learn more, a consultation with one of our experts is a great place to start. Your doctor will guide you through the process, address any questions you have, and help you figure out if this approach aligns with your goals and needs.