Brenda Khan
As of May 2025, there are eight FDA-approved weight loss drugs on the market. The latest medication approved by the FDA for chronic weight management is Zepbound (tirzepatide), an injection for adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Other FDA-approved weight loss treatments include Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), Contrave, and Xenical (orlistat). Several other weight loss pills, such as oral semaglutide, orforglipron, and amycretin, are currently in clinical trials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the pill | Zepbound (Tirzepatide) |
| Dosage | 5-15 mg, injected once weekly |
| Administration | Injection under the skin |
| Frequency | Once weekly |
| Target Dosages | 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg |
| Maximum Dosage | 15 mg once weekly |
| Use | Chronic weight management |
| Users | Adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition |
| Use with | Reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity |
| Side effects | May interact with Synthroid and increase the risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) |
| Precautions | Should not be taken if there is a personal or family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) |
| Other names | Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus |
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What You'll Learn
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Zepbound contains tirzepatide, which is also the active ingredient in Mounjaro, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that Zepbound should not be used with other tirzepatide-containing products or any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. Additionally, it should not be used if there is a history of serious allergic reactions to tirzepatide or any of its ingredients.
Zepbound works by reducing appetite and food intake, thereby helping individuals lose weight and maintain weight loss. In clinical trials, individuals who used Zepbound in conjunction with diet and exercise reported significant weight loss compared to those who took a placebo. The average weight loss for those on Zepbound 10mg and 15mg weekly doses was 48.9 lb and 52.0 lb, respectively, over 72 weeks.
It is important to be aware of potential side effects associated with Zepbound. These may include severe stomach problems, kidney problems, gallbladder issues, low blood sugar, and serious allergic reactions. In studies with rats, tirzepatide was found to cause thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. Therefore, individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not use Zepbound.
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Wegovy (semaglutide)
Wegovy is approved for adults and patients over 12 years old with obesity. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death in adults with cardiovascular disease who are obese or overweight.
It is important to note that Wegovy is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used if you or your family have a history of a specific type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Additionally, those with a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues, as well as those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, should not use Wegovy.
As with any medication, there are potential side effects associated with Wegovy. These include possible thyroid tumours, including cancer. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any side effects, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
While Wegovy has shown effectiveness in weight loss, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication. They can advise on the suitability of Wegovy based on individual health needs and conditions.
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Xenical (orlistat)
As of May 2025, there are eight Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved weight-loss drugs on the market. Xenical (orlistat) is one of them. It belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors, which reduce the amount of fat absorbed in the gut after eating. This means that when taking orlistat, no more than 30% of your calories should come from fat. Orlistat is available as a prescription or nonprescription capsule to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day with each main meal that contains fat. If a meal is missed or does not have fat, you may skip your dose. The typical dosage for Xenical is 120 milligrams (mg) three times daily.
Orlistat is used for weight loss and is commonly used to help people with obesity or overweight lose weight. It can also be used after weight loss to prevent weight gain. It is often a better choice for people who tend to eat fatty foods. Orlistat should be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program. It can be purchased over the counter, but prescription orlistat is used for overweight people who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
The most common side effects of orlistat include oily faeces, gas, increased defecation frequency, and decreased bowel movement control. Eating a meal with a lot of fat may increase your risk of side effects. Orlistat can also decrease the absorption of certain vitamins, so it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider which multivitamin to take while on orlistat. Orlistat should be stored tightly closed at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for short periods, such as during transportation.
It is important to note that orlistat may cause gallstones and severe allergic reactions in some people. It should not be taken during pregnancy or if one has malabsorption syndrome. Before taking orlistat, it is crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
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Contrave (bupropion and naltrexone)
Bupropion, one of the ingredients in Contrave, is an antidepressant. It has been known to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. It may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in those with pre-existing mental illnesses. If you or your family members notice any changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts, or feelings, you should seek medical advice.
Naltrexone, the other ingredient in Contrave, is an opioid antagonist used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. It is important not to take opioids while taking Contrave, as this can lead to serious injury, coma, or death.
In four clinical trials, people who were overweight or obese took Contrave for up to 56 weeks. The average weight loss across all four studies ranged from 11 to 22 pounds for those taking the medication. Contrave was also found to lower hemoglobin A1c in people with type 2 diabetes.
It is important to note that Contrave is not approved for use in children under the age of 18. It should also not be taken by those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of seizures, or specific medical conditions. Contrave should be used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and appropriate exercise.
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Orforglipron
As of October 2024, there are 11 medications that have been approved by the FDA for weight loss. One of these is Zepbound (tirzepatide), an injectable medication for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
In a Phase 3 clinical trial, orforglipron was found to reduce weight by an average of 7.9% at the highest dose. At week 26 of the trial, the mean change in body weight from baseline ranged from -8.6% to -12.6% in the orforglipron dose cohorts, compared to -2.0% in the placebo group. By week 36, the mean change ranged from -9.4% to -14.7% with orforglipron and was -2.3% with placebo. A weight reduction of at least 10% was achieved by 46-75% of participants taking orforglipron, compared to 9% in the placebo group.
The most common adverse events reported with orforglipron were gastrointestinal events, which were mild to moderate and occurred primarily during dose escalation. The safety profile of orforglipron was consistent with that of injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 2025, Zepbound (tirzepatide) is the latest medication approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. It is administered via injection.
Some common side effects of Zepbound include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and constipation. It may also interact with Synthroid and increase the risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
Yes, there are several oral medications approved by the FDA for weight loss, including Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Contrave. Orforglipron, an oral medication, is currently in Phase 3 trials and has shown promising results for weight loss.
No, it is not recommended to take any medication for weight loss without first consulting your healthcare provider. Many of these medications have risks and side effects, and it is important to determine if they are safe and appropriate for you.
