Top Weight Loss Medications

Criteria for Prescribing Weight Loss Medication

 

Adults who meet certain criteria typically need weight loss medications prescribed, including having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater or having type 2 diabetes and obesity-related conditions like increased BMI. Safety and efficacy must also be carefully considered alongside lifestyle interventions.

 

Currently Available Weight Loss Medications

  
 

Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)

 

Semaglutide are GLP-1 agonists approved for chronic weight management. Wegovy typically leads to more significant weight loss than Ozempic (used for diabetes management).

 

Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)

 

Combines GLP-1 and GIP agonists. Clinical trials have demonstrated its ability to help some patients reduce body weight by up to 20% in some instances, with dosing taken weekly via injection.

 

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

 

Liraglutide is a daily injectable GLP-1 agonist used to treat obesity, proven effective yet less potency than Wegovy. Common side effects may include nausea and vomiting.

 

Phentermine (Adipex, Suprenza)

 

Phentermine is an effective short-term appetite suppressant. It works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain to decrease hunger levels.

 

Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)

 

Phentermine-Topiramate is a combination of phentermine and topiramate which delays gastric emptying while simultaneously altering brain signals for hunger, leading to delayed gastric emptying and altered hunger signals; associated with dizziness and numbness symptoms.

 

Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)

 

Naltrexone-bupropion can block opioid receptors while increasing dopamine production to help decrease cravings without producing metabolic changes, thus helping patients avoid metabolic complications or metabolic dysfunctions. In some patients it may increase blood pressure.

 

Setmelanotide (Imcivree)

 

Setmelanotide is a POMC-deficient obesity treatment targeting specific genetic mutations. Due to increased hunger signals, use should be carefully managed in order to suppress appetite.

 

Orlistat (Xenical and Alli)

 

Orlistat acts to reduce fat absorption from the intestines. Available either over-the-counter (Alli) or with valid prescription (Xenical), its side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort.

 

Hydrogel (Plenity)

 

Hydrogel is a non-pharmacological option which expands into a gel to induce satiety. Formulated from cellulose and lithium chloride, take with water before meals for maximum effectiveness.

 

Upcoming Weight Loss Medications

 

Upcoming weight loss medications in development include dual-acting hormones targeting both GLP-1 and other pathways, and novel appetite regulators in early clinical trials.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Medications

  
 

How Effective Are Weight Loss Medications?

 

Results depend on lifestyle and adherence factors - Wegovy typically induces 15-20% weight reduction while Saxenda typically results in 8-10% reductions on average. The effectiveness may be enhanced through fitness and diet.

 

What is the strongest weight loss prescription medication?

 

Semaglutide (Wegovy) currently boasts superior efficacy compared to other FDA-approved weight loss drugs for long-term weight reduction in clinical trials.

 

How do weight loss medications work?

 

Mechanisms include appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, blocking fat absorption, or modifying brain pathways related to hunger and reward systems.

 

Are there medications that can cause weight gain?

 

Some antidepressants (SSRIs), antipsychotics and corticosteroids may lead to weight gain by altering metabolism or increasing appetite, leading to weight gain.

 

How should weight loss medications be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?

 

Weight loss medications should be seen as supplements. Integrating them with dietician-guided nutrition plans, exercise programs and behavioral therapy maximizes outcomes.

 

How long do weight-loss medications need to be taken?

 

Durations will differ. GLP-1 agonists require continuous use; abrupt cessation could result in weight regain unless lifestyle changes are implemented simultaneously.

 

How have options in weight loss medications changed in recent years?

 

With the emergence of GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual-agonist therapies, weight loss medications now focus more on long-term management over quick fixes such as appetite suppressants.

 

How do the different categories of weight loss medications compare in terms of cost?

 

Monthly costs range from as little as $50 (Alli) to $1,600 (Wegovy), depending on insurance coverage or patient assistance programs that may help make them more affordable.

 

How Can They Affect Weight Regain?

 

Maintaining medication use reduces risk of weight regain. Discontinuing can often trigger rebound effects if lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to control it.

 

What are the differences between OTC and prescription weight loss medications?

 

Prescription drugs undergo rigorous clinical trials for safety and efficacy, while OTC options (e.g., Alli) have milder effects with lower risks but also slower results.

 

What is the connection between antidepressant medication and weight loss?

 

Certain antidepressants like Wellbutrin may reduce food cravings, though most can cause weight gain. Some newer agents are being studied for dual benefits.

 

Which weight loss medications are known for suppressing appetite?

 

GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Saxenda), Qsymia, Contrave, and Setmelanotide directly target hunger signals in the brain to decrease food consumption.