Jeffrey Salazar
There are many diet drugs available on the market, both over-the-counter and prescription, that can help with weight loss. Prescription appetite suppressants are one such category of drugs that work to lessen your appetite or make you feel full faster. Liraglutide, phentermine-topiramate, orlistat, and semaglutide are some of the most effective prescription drugs for weight loss. However, it's important to note that these drugs are not a quick fix, and they work best in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Before taking any medication, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to understand the potential side effects and risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drug Name | Liraglutide (Saxenda), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Ozempic, Tirzepatide (Zepbound), Mounjaro, Orlistat (Xenical, Alli), Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) |
| Type | Appetite Suppressant, GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, GIP Receptor Agonist, Antidepressant, Opioid Antagonist |
| Administration | Injection, Tablet, Capsule |
| Dosage | 0.6 mg to 3 mg per day, 8/90 mg tablet, 60 mg |
| Side Effects | Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Vomiting, Headache, Decreased Appetite, Dyspepsia, Fatigue, Dizziness, Abdominal Pain, Renal Insufficiency, Tachycardia, Arrhythmia, Mood Changes, Indigestion, Depression, Suicidal Ideation |
| Contraindications | Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2, Seizure Disorder, Chronic Pain, Pregnancy or Planning Pregnancy |
| Effectiveness | 5-10% body weight loss, 6-11% body weight loss |
| Treatment Plan | Short-term and Long-term options available, combine with diet and exercise |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
There are also over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants available, but none have been approved by the FDA. Some OTC appetite suppressants may interact with medications or cause health problems, so it's important to check with a healthcare provider before using them. Some examples of OTC appetite suppressants include:
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A type of polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally found in foods like dairy and beef. It has been shown to affect appetite-regulating genes and hormones in animal studies, but its effect on human appetite is inconclusive.
- Bitter orange supplements: These are believed to increase the basal metabolic rate, stimulating fat breakdown and suppressing appetite. However, research on their effectiveness is inconclusive, as they are often combined with other compounds in weight loss supplements.
- Garcinia Cambogia: Derived from the peel of the Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit, it contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels and reducing carbohydrate metabolism. While some studies show that it can suppress appetite and promote weight loss, others have found little to no effect.
Prescription appetite suppressants approved by the FDA for long-term use include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): A daily injectable medication that acts on hormones from the gut to make patients feel full quicker and decrease hunger signals.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Another injectable medication that works similarly to liraglutide.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): This prescription suppressant reduces cravings by affecting reward centers in the brain.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): A combination of two drugs, phentermine, and topiramate, which work together to suppress appetite and promote weight loss.
It's important to note that appetite suppressants should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity to be most effective. Additionally, they may have side effects and risks, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any appetite suppressants.
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FDA-approved drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several weight management medications for adults and children aged 12 and older. These medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise to achieve the desired weight loss results. Here are some of the FDA-approved drugs for weight management:
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat is available as a prescription-strength 120-milligram dose under the brand name Xenical. It can also be purchased over the counter in a lower 60-milligram dose under the brand name Alli. Orlistat belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors, which reduce the amount of fat absorbed in the gut after eating. It is important to note that when taking orlistat, no more than 30% of your calories should come from fat.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Phentermine-topiramate is a combination medication that suppresses appetite. It is approved for long-term use by the FDA.
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
Naltrexone-bupropion, also known by the brand name Contrave, is another combination medication. It consists of bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. This medication is typically taken differently each week for the first month and should be paired with a low-calorie diet and appropriate exercise.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide is an injectable medication that suppresses appetite. It is approved by the FDA for long-term use.
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
Semaglutide is a medication that is used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. The brand name for the generic drug semaglutide is Ozempic, while Wegovy is another brand of semaglutide that is approved by the FDA for weight management.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
Tirzepatide, also known as Zepbound, is an injectable medication for adults with obesity. It is a dual-acting glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, making you feel full. The recommended maintenance dosage is 5-15 mg, injected once weekly.
It is important to note that the effectiveness and suitability of these medications may vary from person to person. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to determine the best course of treatment based on individual health goals, medical history, and personal preferences.
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Side effects
Weight loss drugs are intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie eating plan and exercise program. They are a popular and effective treatment for obesity and health problems related to being overweight. However, they can also have some unpleasant and serious side effects.
The most common side effects of weight loss drugs include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Some people may also experience headaches, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and an unpleasant taste. Less commonly, some people have reported experiencing "Wegovy or Ozempic face," where they lose weight in their face, causing them to look older and more gaunt.
More severe side effects of weight loss drugs can include high blood pressure, mood disorders, glaucoma, and an increased risk of heart attack, seizure, and stroke, and in rare cases, death. Short-term prescription appetite suppressants, in particular, require more caution due to their potential for severe side effects and addiction. Additionally, some weight loss drugs can interact with other medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and anesthetic agents.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any weight loss drugs to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual needs. Side effects can vary depending on the specific medication, and it is essential to be aware of potential risks and adverse reactions.
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Drug combinations
Several FDA-approved medications are available that can suppress appetite and promote weight loss. These include:
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
- Phentermine (Adipex-P, ProFast)
- Phendimetrazine
These medications work by regulating hormones in the brain, digestive system, and adipose tissue to suppress appetite, reduce cravings, and increase feelings of fullness and satiety. For example, Liraglutide acts on hormones from the gut that signal to the brain, making patients feel full quicker and reducing hunger signals.
Additionally, other drugs like Semaglutide and Orlistat are also used in combination with diet and exercise to reduce appetite and block the absorption of dietary fats, respectively. It is important to note that these medications should be used under medical supervision and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle for optimal and safe weight loss.
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Weight loss treatments
Weight loss is a complex process that requires a comprehensive treatment plan. Prescription weight loss drugs are a popular and effective treatment for obesity and health problems related to being overweight. These drugs are usually indicated for obese patients or overweight patients with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. It is important to note that these drugs should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
There are several FDA-approved medications available for weight loss, including appetite suppressants and anorexiants. Appetite suppressants are recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI greater than 27 with associated conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Prescription appetite suppressants, on average, help people achieve weight loss of 5% or more of their starting body weight. Liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) are examples of FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants.
Anorexiants are drugs that act on the brain to help suppress appetite. Contrave and Qsymia are examples of anorexiant weight loss pills. Patients using these medications may lose roughly 5% to 10% of their initial weight over one year when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. It is important to note that if a patient does not lose at least 5% of their initial body weight after 12 weeks, it is unlikely that they will achieve meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.
In addition to appetite suppressants and anorexiants, other weight loss drugs are available. For example, orlistat (Xenical, Alli) is a prescription drug that helps with weight loss by inhibiting the absorption of fat. However, it is important to note that this drug may cause side effects such as liver injury and vitamin deficiencies. Another weight loss drug is tirzepatide (Zepbound), which has been shown to improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels in addition to weight loss. Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) is another prescription medication, but it is limited to people with specific rare genetic disorders.
While prescription weight loss drugs can be effective, they should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider and in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Additionally, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single most effective diet drug. The effectiveness of a drug depends on the individual and their circumstances. FDA-approved anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are safe, evidence-based therapies that target specific physiology to improve the disease. The FDA has approved six drugs for long-term use: orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro). An analysis of 143 studies revealed that phentermine-topiramate and GLP-1 receptor agonists (like liraglutide and semaglutide) are among the most effective medications for reducing weight in people with obesity.
The side effects of diet drugs vary depending on the specific medication and how it acts on your body. Some common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. More severe side effects may include rapid or irregular heartbeat, mood changes, cognitive (mental) changes, abdominal pain, and renal insufficiency. It is important to discuss side effects with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.
Choosing a medication to treat overweight or obesity is a decision that should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. They will consider your medical history, health goals, and personal preferences to determine the best option for you. It is important to be comfortable asking your healthcare provider about the medication they are prescribing and to learn all you need to know about it before starting.
The length of time you take a diet drug for depends on whether it is helping you lose weight and keep it off, and whether you are experiencing any serious side effects. If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and are not experiencing any serious side effects, your healthcare provider may advise you to stay on the medication indefinitely. If you are not losing weight after 12 weeks on the full dose of your medication, ask your healthcare provider whether you should stop taking it.
