Jeffrey Salazar
There are many diet pills on the market, and it can be hard to know which is the best. Some sources suggest that Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER) is the most effective weight loss pill. However, it is a controlled substance and may not be suitable for everyone. Other popular weight loss pills include Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) and Orlistat (Xenical). These pills are typically prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise. Weight loss pills are designed to affect how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger, and they can make you feel less hungry or full faster. They are most effective when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Diet Pill | Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER) |
| Availability | Prescription-only |
| Dosage | Daily oral capsule |
| Effectiveness | Reduced appetite, 70% of adults lost at least 5% of body weight in a year, 50% lost 10% |
| Side Effects | Controlled substance, may not be suitable for everyone |
| Alternative Pills | Contrave, Orlistat (Xenical), Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic, Liraglutide, Alli |
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What You'll Learn
FDA-approved weight loss pills
Weight loss medications are most effective when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise. While there are many weight loss pills on the market, here is a list of some FDA-approved weight loss pills:
Orlistat (Xenical)
Orlistat is a prescription weight-loss pill that comes in the form of an oral capsule. It is typically taken by adults three times a day with meals and works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats. It is not approved for children or adolescents.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Qsymia is a combination weight-loss pill that is taken orally once a day and is suitable for individuals 12 years and older. It works by reducing appetite. In initial studies, around 70% of adults lost at least 5% of their body weight after one year, with nearly 50% losing at least 10%.
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
Contrave is an oral tablet that combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, to reduce appetite and cravings. The dosage is gradually increased over the first month, and most people take two tablets in the morning and two in the evening. In studies, over 40% of adults lost at least 5% of their body weight in one year, with more than 20% losing at least 10%.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones to increase feelings of fullness and decrease hunger. It is suitable for adults with obesity and a BMI of 30 or greater.
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Wegovy 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 and older who are obese or have weight-related medical problems.
Zepbound
Zepbound is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that is approved to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher. It works by reducing appetite and is meant to be used alongside diet and exercise.
It is important to note that weight loss medications may have side effects and should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They are not a replacement for physical activity and healthy eating habits but can be a helpful tool when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
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Prescription appetite suppressants
There are several prescription appetite suppressants available, each with its own unique mechanism of action and side effects. Some common prescription appetite suppressants include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®): This is an injectable medication that acts on hormones, making patients feel full quicker and reducing hunger signals.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®): This medication imitates an intestinal hormone that stimulates insulin production, lowering your appetite and making you feel full.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®): This pill combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to affect the pleasure-reward areas of the brain, decreasing cravings and appetite.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®): This combination pill includes phentermine, which curbs appetite, and topiramate, which causes weight loss by helping you feel full, making food less appealing, and burning more calories.
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®): This is a short-term appetite suppressant that is a controlled substance due to its potential for addiction.
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®): This is another short-term appetite suppressant that is also a controlled substance.
It is important to note that prescription appetite suppressants are not a standalone solution and work best when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. Additionally, they may have side effects, and it is important to discuss these with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.
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Orlistat/Xenical
Orlistat, also known by the brand name Xenical, is a prescription weight-loss pill. It is available as a 60 mg or 120 mg oral capsule that can be taken up to three times a day with meals containing fat. It is intended for use by adults and should be combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise.
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that works by blocking the absorption of fat from food. It inhibits the enzyme that breaks down fats, preventing their absorption in the intestines. This unabsorbed fat is then passed out of the body. By reducing the amount of fat absorbed, Orlistat can aid in weight loss and lower the risk of weight regain after initial loss.
Initial studies have shown that Orlistat helped up to 55% of adults lose 5% or more of their body weight after one year, with up to 25% losing at least 10%. It is important to note that Orlistat may also decrease the absorption of certain vitamins, so it is recommended to discuss multivitamin options with a healthcare provider while taking this medication.
Common side effects of Orlistat include oily discharge from the rectum, flatulence, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence. Eating meals with a high fat content may increase the risk of experiencing these side effects. Additionally, Orlistat may cause gallstones or severe allergic reactions in some individuals. It is not suitable for those with malabsorption syndrome or who are pregnant.
It is crucial to follow the directions provided by a healthcare professional when taking Orlistat. It should not be taken in larger or smaller amounts or more frequently than prescribed. It is also important to inform your doctor or pharmacist of any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
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Contrave
The dose of Contrave is gradually increased during the first month of taking it. Once your body gets used to it, most people take two tablets in the morning and two in the evening. Contrave should be stored 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 shorter periods, such as during transportation.
It is important to note that Contrave may not be suitable for everyone. It should not be taken if you are pregnant, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, an eating disorder, opioid addiction, or if you take opioid medication or other forms of bupropion. It is also important to avoid taking Contrave with a high-fat meal as it may increase drug levels in your body and cause seizures. Alcohol use should also be minimised while taking Contrave as it may increase the risk of seizures, especially if you are a regular drinker.
Side effects of Contrave may include hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviours, increased blood pressure and heart rate, liver damage, glaucoma, severe skin reactions, and extremely elevated mood (mania). If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
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Qsymia
In initial studies, Qsymia helped about 70% of adults lose at least 5% of their body weight after 1 year, with close to 50% of participants losing at least 10% of their body weight. Qsymia is the first weight-loss drug to be launched in the US in 13 years and is the #1 prescribed branded oral weight-management medication for adults. It is also FDA-approved for weight management in children aged 12-17.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single weight-loss pill that is widely considered to be the safest and most effective option overall. However, some popular options include Contrave, Qsymia, and Phentermine.
Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER) is a once-daily oral capsule for weight loss in people 12 years and older. It works by reducing your appetite. In initial studies, around 70% of adults lost at least 5% of their body weight after one year.
Side effects of diet pills can include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. Some short-term prescription appetite suppressants that are controlled substances can also cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, mood changes, cognitive changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
