Jeffrey Salazar
There are several prescription diet pills on the market, and the best one for an individual depends on their body and goals. Some common prescription weight loss pills include Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion), Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). These pills work in different ways, such as by reducing appetite or blocking fat absorption, and are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Qsymia |
| Generic Name | Phentermine/Topiramate ER |
| Form | Oral Capsule |
| Frequency | Once Daily |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Effectiveness | 70% of adults lost at least 5% of body weight after 1 year |
| Side Effects | N/A |
| Cost | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
FDA-approved prescription diet pills
There are several FDA-approved prescription diet pills on the market. Healthcare providers may recommend weight loss medication to patients who have a BMI of 27 or greater, with an additional medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
One such medication is orlistat (Xenical), which belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors. Orlistat reduces the amount of fat absorbed in the gut after eating. When taking it, no more than 30% of your calories should come from fat. The typical dosage is 120 milligrams (mg) three times daily.
Another prescription diet pill is liraglutide (Saxenda), which is approved for children ages 12 and older. It is also available as Victoza. It is currently being studied for its effects on weight loss and gastric functions (stomach emptying effect) in people who are overweight or have obesity.
Qsymia is a combination weight-loss pill containing phentermine and topiramate. It is approved for children ages 12 and older and works by reducing appetite. In initial studies, about 70% of adults lost at least 5% of their body weight after one year, with close to 50% losing at least 10%.
Contrave is a combination of bupropion (an antidepressant) and naltrexone (an opioid antagonist). It is typically taken differently each week for the first month, following a dosing schedule prescribed by a healthcare provider. It should not be taken with high-fat meals. In four clinical trials, participants who were overweight or had obesity took Contrave for up to 56 weeks, with an average weight loss ranging from 11 to 22 pounds.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a brand name GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years or older with obesity or some adults with excess weight who also have weight-related medical problems. It is administered as an injection and must be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is another medication injected subcutaneously and approved for adults with obesity. It is also the active ingredient in Mounjaro, which is approved to treat diabetes. The recommended maintenance dosage is 5-15 mg, injected once weekly.
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Prescription diet pills for adults
Several prescription diet pills and medications are available for adults looking to lose weight. However, it is important to note that these pills are not a replacement for physical activity and healthy eating habits. When combined with lifestyle and behaviour changes, prescription medications can help some individuals lose weight and maintain their weight loss journey.
Prescription diet pills work in different ways. Some medications may help you feel less hungry or full sooner by lessening your appetite. Others may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat. Weight management medications are meant for adults who have health problems related to being overweight or obese. Healthcare professionals use Body Mass Index (BMI) to help decide whether an individual might benefit from weight management medications. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medication to treat your weight if you are an adult with a BMI of 27 or greater and you have weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Some commonly prescribed weight loss medications include:
- Wegovy (Semaglutide): This is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is administered as an injection and is approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years or more with obesity (BMI ≥30 for adults, BMI ≥ 95th percentile for children) or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems.
- Contrave (Naltrexone-Bupropion): This prescription weight-loss pill combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to affect the pleasure-reward areas of the brain and thereby decrease cravings and appetite.
- Qsymia (Phentermine-Topiramate): This is a once-daily oral capsule for weight loss in people 12 years and older. It works by reducing your appetite.
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): This medication is intended for use with a reduced-calorie diet and is also indicated to reduce the risk of weight regain.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for weight management, which may include a combination of medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery.
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Prescription diet pills for children
Prescription diet pills are one of several tools to consider when trying to lose weight. Other options include focusing on diet by increasing protein intake, reducing refined carbohydrates, and avoiding unnecessary liquid calories. Apps can also be used to log meals, track exercise, and receive support from weight-loss coaches.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four weight management medications for children ages 12 and older: orlistat (Xenical), liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), and semaglutide (Wegovy). A fifth prescription medication, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), is approved by the FDA for children ages 6 and older who have been diagnosed with one of four specific rare genetic disorders.
Qsymia is considered by some to be the strongest weight-loss pill, but this is not always the case as everyone responds differently to medications. Qsymia is a combination pill that works by reducing appetite. In initial studies, Qsymia helped about 70% of adults lose at least 5% of their body weight after 1 year. Close to 50% of participants lost at least 10% of their body weight.
It is important to note that weight management medications are not meant to replace physical activity or healthy eating habits as a way to lose weight. Studies show that weight management medications work best when combined with a lifestyle program that includes healthy eating and increased physical activity. Additionally, weight-loss medications should be offered to children over 12 when the balance of risks and benefits makes sense.
Before starting any weight-loss program or taking any weight-loss medications, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess your individual needs and risks.
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Prescription appetite suppressants
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®): This is an under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injection medication.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®): This is also an under-the-skin injection medication.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®): This is a pill that combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to decrease cravings and appetite.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®): This is a pill that works by reducing your appetite.
Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants are approved for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks, including:
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®)
- Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast® and others)
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any prescription appetite suppressants to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual needs and health status. Additionally, it is worth noting that weight-loss medications are not a replacement for physical activity and healthy eating habits but can be a helpful tool when used in combination with lifestyle changes.
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Side effects of prescription diet pills
Prescription diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are designed to help people with obesity lose weight. They work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster, thereby reducing your calorie intake. While they can be effective, they also come with side effects and risks.
The side effects of prescription diet pills vary depending on the specific medication. For example, Qsymia, a combination of phentermine and topiramate, has been associated with a reduced appetite and weight loss. However, it is not suitable for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects. Other common side effects of prescription diet pills include constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and dry mouth.
More serious but less common side effects of prescription diet pills include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage. Some people may also experience an immune system reaction to certain medications, such as exenatide, which can cause the drug to stop working or lead to serious bleeding. It is important to note that the long-term safety and effectiveness of some prescription diet pills have not been extensively studied.
One of the most common side effects of prescription diet pills is gastrointestinal problems. Drugs like Wegovy can slow down the digestive system, leading to nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. These side effects can be unpleasant and may deter people from continuing the medication. Additionally, some prescription diet pills may interact with other medications or cause health problems, especially when taken over the counter without medical supervision.
It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any prescription diet pills. They can help assess your individual needs, discuss potential side effects, and determine if prescription diet pills are a suitable option for your weight loss journey.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single "number one" prescription diet pill. The best weight-loss medication for you will be the one that gives you the results you desire, with as few side effects as possible, and at a cost you can afford. Pills are generally more affordable than injectables.
Prescription diet pills include Contrave (Naltrexone-bupropion), Qsymia (Phentermine-topiramate), Wegovy (Semaglutide), and Saxenda (Liraglutide).
Prescription diet pills are suitable for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
