If you’re having trouble losing weight, you’re not alone. There are FDA-approved weight loss drugs to help. They work best when you also make healthy lifestyle changes.
These drugs help by making you feel less hungry or full. They also stop your body from absorbing fat. Drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, and Xenical can help you lose more weight.
Key Takeaways
- Prescription are FDA-approved treatments that can help adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions achieve significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
- These medications work by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or decreasing fat absorption.
- Popular FDA-approved include semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound), liraglutide (Saxenda), and orlistat (Xenical, Alli).
- Prescription weight loss medications can lead to 3% to 12% more weight loss over a year compared to lifestyle changes alone.
- Weight loss drugs are intended for use in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.
Understanding Prescription Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss drugs help people with obesity or extra weight. They work by reducing hunger, making you feel full, and stopping fat absorption. Always talk to a doctor before starting these medicines.
What Defines Weight Loss Drugs
A BMI of 30 or more means you’re obese. A BMI of 27 or more with health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure also qualifies. These appetite suppressants and fat absorption inhibitors are not for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Who Can Take These Medications
These drugs are for adults with obesity and related health issues. But, insurance might not cover them all. Some plans help more with diabetes drugs than weight loss ones.
BMI Requirements and Medical Conditions
- A BMI of 30 or higher is defined as obesity, equating to a weight of 197 pounds or more for an adult who is 5 foot 8 inches tall.
- Prescription weight loss drugs may be prescribed if BMI is at least 27 and the individual has weight-related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Some insurance plans cover weight loss medications, with greater likelihood if needed to reduce heart disease risk.
Thinking about weight loss drugs? Talk to obesity experts, endocrinologists, or gastroenterologists. Be ready for lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and possible side effects.
Popular Weight Loss Drugs and Their Mechanisms
There are many FDA-approved weight loss drugs. They work well when you also make healthy lifestyle changes. Metabolism boosters like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) help reduce hunger. Liraglutide (Saxenda) works in a similar way.
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) helps by changing how your brain feels about food. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) stops your body from absorbing fat. This makes it easier to lose weight.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) is a mix of two drugs. It helps you feel less hungry. All these weight reduction supplements help you lose weight when you also eat well and exercise.
| Medication | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|
| Semaglutide (Wegovy) | GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying |
| Tirzepatide (Zepbound) | Acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors to regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics intestinal hormones to suppress appetite |
| Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) | Affects the brain’s reward system to reduce cravings and food intake |
| Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) | Inhibits fat absorption in the intestines to prevent calorie intake |
| Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) | Combines an appetite suppressant with an anticonvulsant to decrease hunger |
These drugs work in different ways. But they all help you lose weight when you also eat healthy and exercise.
“After 1 year, adults who take prescription weight management medications lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight than those in a lifestyle program who do not take medication.”
Safety and Side Effects of Weight Loss Drugs
Understanding the side effects of weight loss drugs is key. These drugs help with weight loss but can have side effects. It’s important to know about them.
Common Side Effects to Expect
Drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide can cause nausea and constipation. You might also feel diarrhea, headache, or be very tired. These side effects are usually not serious and go away over time.
Serious Complications to Watch For
Some drugs can lead to gallbladder problems or pancreatitis. They might also cause kidney issues. There’s a chance they could cause thyroid tumors, but this is still being studied in humans.
Contraindications and Warnings
Some people should not take these drugs. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health issues, talk to your doctor first. They need to know about your health before you start.
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Nausea | 44% of users |
| Diarrhea | 30% of users |
| Vomiting | 24% of users |
| Constipation | 24% of users |
| Stomach-area pain | 20% of users |
Talk to your doctor if you have any worries about side effects. They can help manage your medication and keep you healthy.
Effectiveness and Expected Results
The results of weight loss drugs can differ a lot. People usually lose 3% to 12% of their body weight in a year. This is when they use the drug and make lifestyle changes.
For example, semaglutide (Wegovy) helped people lose an average of 14.9% of their weight in 68 weeks. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) showed even better results in some studies.
But, weight loss often stops after 4-6 months. If you stop using the drug, you might gain some weight back. This shows why keeping up with the drug is key for long-term weight management.
The FDA pulled lorcaserin off the market because it raised cancer risk in a study. Also, the weight loss from different drugs ranged from 2.9% to 6.8% over 12 months.
| Weight Loss Drug | Placebo-Subtracted Weight Reduction (%) |
|---|---|
| Phentermine/Topiramate | 6.8% |
| Liraglutide | 5.4% |
| Naltrexone/Bupropion | 4.0% |
| Orlistat | 2.9% |
| Lorcaserin | 3.1% |
Remember, everyone’s results are different. You might need to use the drug for a long time to keep the weight off. Talk to your doctor to find the best weight loss drug for you.
Conclusion
Prescription weight loss drugs are a helpful tool for treating obesity and related health issues. They work well when used with diet and exercise. This combination can lead to big weight loss and better health.
But, these drugs aren’t right for everyone. They can have side effects and risks. Always talk to a doctor before starting any new medication.
Choosing to use weight loss medication should be a team effort with your doctor. They will consider your health, past medical issues, and weight loss goals. New treatments are being found, offering hope for better weight management in the future.
Weight loss drugs can help, but they need to be used carefully. Always follow your doctor’s advice. This way, you can find the best treatment for you and reach your health goals safely.
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