Highlights
- Medications can be prescribed when weight loss is necessary for medical reasons and lifestyle changes don’t bring the desired results.
- Weight loss medications have different mechanisms of action, uses, efficacy, and side effects. Only a medical professional can recommend the most suitable medication.
- In addition to positive effects, weight loss medicines have potential risks, so identifying the risk-benefit ratio is essential.
- To obtain a prescription for weight loss medicines, see a healthcare provider who can define whether your situation meets the criteria for medication prescription.
In 2023, 55% of women and 47% of men in the US wanted to lose weight, according to
Medicines Commonly Prescribed for Weight Management
Before prescribing a medication, doctors thoroughly evaluate a patient’s health profile and individual needs. Commonly chosen medicines are listed below.
Phentermine (Adipex-P)
Adipex-P is an appetite suppressant. Its active ingredient
Potential Side Effects
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Lack of sleep
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Mood changes (euphoric or dysphoric mood)
- In extreme situations, psychosis
- Bad taste
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Key Considerations
Phentermine may not be the best option for weight loss in the following cases:
- A history of heart issues, high blood pressure, substance abuse, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or restlessness.
- Phentermine may interact with other medications, including MAOIs, insulin, oral hypoglycemics, and adrenergic neuron-blocking medications.
- Prolonged use or taking high doses might cause withdrawal symptoms.
- It cannot be used for children under the age of sixteen or older patients with other health concerns.
- It can impair the ability to perform activities that require increased alertness.
It may not be suitable for people with digestive and kidney diseases.
Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
Under a brand of Qsymia, this medication combines an antiepileptic medication (topiramate) and a sympathomimetic amine (phentermine). It enhances the sense of fullness and suppresses the appetite. Qsymia can be used for short-term (up to 12 weeks) and long-term weight management, and several
Potential Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Paresthesia
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Change in taste sensation
- Increased heart rate
Key Considerations
- Not recommended for people with glaucoma or hyperthyroidism.
- Careful observation is needed in patients having mood disorders or cardiovascular disease.
- Neuropsychiatric and cognitive side effects.
- Not recommended during pregnancy.
- Not recommended for patients taking MAOIs.
Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy)
A GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide is available under names Ozempic and Wegovy. It helps to lose weight by reducing appetite and delaying gastric emptying when used along with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Semaglutide can be used long-term, and several studies have approved its effectiveness.
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Pancreatitis
Key Considerations
- It is not recommended for people having a history of thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, diabetic retinopathy, and pancreatitis.
- If you are using any other antidiabetic medicines, this medication may potentially lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
- Don’t use it if you are sensitive to any ingredients of the medication.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide (brand name Saxenda) is also a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. It should be paired with a low-calorie diet and exercise regimen and can be prescribed for long-term use.
Potential Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Hypoglycemia
Key Considerations
- It is not recommended for people with the history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- Contraindicated in patients with a history of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis.
- If you are using any other antidiabetic medicines, this medication may potentially lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
- Don’t use it if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
- Don’t use it if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients of the medication.
Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) is a combination of opioid receptor antagonists and dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It influences energy balance and appetite and is approved to treat obesity in the long-term.
Potential Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Lack of sleep
- Dizziness
- High blood pressure
Key Considerations
- Not recommended for people with a history of opioid use disorder, seizures, or uncontrolled hypertension.
- Contraindicated in patients with a history of suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts as this medication can lead to increase in suicidal thoughts.
- Don’t use it if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
- It is not a safe option if you have renal impairment or severe liver injury.
If you’re experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts and require immediate assistance, contact a crisis hotline, such as 911, 988 suicide & crisis lifeline (toll-free), or Samaritans (116-123 or via chat).
Orlistat (Xenical)
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that reduces the absorption of consumed fat. It can be prescribed for long-term weight management, and its effects are backed by
Potential Side Effects
- Oily spotting
- Fecal urgency
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Key Considerations
- Not recommended for people with cholestasis or chronic malabsorption syndrome.
- Contraindicated in people with thyroid disease, eating disorders, kidney stones, and diabetes.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
Tirzepatide (Zebound, Mounjaro) acts as a GIP receptor and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It has shown significant results in different studies among
Tirzepatide stands out with a majority (89% to 91%) of participants achieving a meaningful 5% or more weight loss associated with metabolic health improvement. Some participants achieved higher targets of 10%, 15%, 20% or more.
Potential Side Effects
During the dose-increasing period, the most often reported adverse effects were transient and mostly mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal events.
Although Mounjaro and Zepbound have the same main ingredient, their side effects differ to some extent. That is why it is advised to discuss that with your healthcare provider.
Key Considerations
Cholecystitis was noted more frequently with tirzepatide, but general incidence was low (≤0.6%).
Metformin (Glucophage)
Metformin can help by controlling blood sugar levels, reducing hunger, and optimizing the use of glucose. Like some other medications prescribed for weight management, metformin was created for the treatment of diabetes, but it has been
Potential Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal issues (abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea).
- Lactic acidosis (rare but severe).
Key Considerations
- Caution in the case of renal impairment.
- It may cause vitamin B12 deficiency.
Topiramate (Topamax)
Topiramate, a medication mainly used for seizures and migraines, is also helpful in weight loss. By affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, it helps reduce appetite and influences taste perception.
Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Paresthesia
- Cognitive issues
Key Considerations
- Caution in patients with a history of kidney stones.
- Monitoring for mood changes is required.
Zonisamide (Zonegran)
Originally, Zonisamide is an anti-seizure medicine, but it can also be prescribed for weight loss because it improves metabolic control and decreases appetite.
Potential Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Anorexia
- May cause kidney stones
Key Considerations
- Caution in the case of renal impairment.
- Monitoring for signs of heatstroke is required.
A Comparison of Common Weight Loss Prescription Medications
Medication Name | Mechanism of action | Typical Dosage | Long-term use |
Phentermine (Adipex-P) | Stimulant, appetite suppressant | 15-37.5 mg once daily | ❌ |
Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia) | Anticonvulsant, appetite suppressant | 3.75/23 mg to 15/92 mg once daily | ✔️ |
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) | GLP-1 receptor agonist, appetite suppressor | Starting dose is from 0.25 mg once weekly via injection | ✔️ |
Liraglutide (Saxenda) | GLP-1 receptor agonist, appetite suppressant | 0.6 mg to 3 mg daily via injection | ✔️ |
Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave) | A combination of an opioid antagonist and an antidepressant | 8 mg/90 mg tablet twice daily | ✔️ |
Orlistat (Xenical) | Lipase inhibitor, reduces fat absorption in the intestine | 120 mg capsule 3 times daily | ✔️ |
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | Mounjaro: 15 mg once weekly. | Additional research is required |
Metformin (Glucophage) | Biguanide; reduces glucose production and enhance insulin sensitivity | 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily | ✔️ |
Topiramate (Topamax) | Anticonvulsant; alters taste perception and reduce appetite | 25 mg to 50 mg once daily | ✔️ |
Zonisamide (Zonegran) | Anticonvulsant; enhances metabolic control and lessens appetite | 100 mg daily | ✔️ |
The table above serves informational purposes only. Consult with your medical provider on the individually chosen initial dosage, any further dosage adjustments, and the duration of treatment.
Who Can Take Weight Loss Medications?
Weight loss medicine is mainly suggested for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, referring to obesity, or a BMI of 27 or higher with comorbid conditions, like hypertension or diabetes.
The choice of a specific medicine requires a detailed health assessment. Some of these medications are not recommended for those with cardiovascular issues. Importantly, pregnancy is not a good time to try to lose weight even if a person is significantly overweight. For a pregnancy to progress healthfully, the person needs to gain weight regardless of the starting weight. Because of that, weight loss medication should not be used during pregnancy.
Are Weight Loss Medications Safe?
Most commonly prescribed weight loss medicines, such as phentermine, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, have been subjected to intense testing to measure their safety. Still, like many pharmaceutical interventions, they may have side effects. For example, phentermine can cause overstimulation, restlessness, irritation, lack of sleep, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Tirzepatide has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) are advised against using tirzepatide.
Safety is dependent on a number of factors, such as specific medications, medical history, and adherence to the treatment plan.
7 Things to Know About Weight-Loss Medications
- Weight-loss medication is not a cure but a supportive tool for lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity. To maintain the reduced body weight, healthcare professionals encourage patients to keep up with these changes after stopping the medication.
- Awareness of the possible side effects empowers you to recognize and manage them promptly.
- Weight loss medications also have associated risks. You should discuss your health condition and preferences with your healthcare provider to weigh the possible benefits of these medications against the risks.
- Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to discuss any side effects or other concerns, monitor your weight, and adjust your treatment plan.
- Each human body is unique and has different demands, so individual reactions to medications can be different. Your doctor will customize the treatment plan to your specific needs and condition, adjusting the treatment to your health goals and informing you about the possible risks or benefits.
- Your healthcare provider may recommend talk therapy sessions to help you achieve behavioral changes necessary for sustainable results.
- Your plan may require adjustments. Don’t hesitate to discuss not only your progress but also challenges to customize the treatment if needed.
How to Receive a Prescription for Weight Loss Medication
Consult a healthcare provider who will assess your medical history, general health, and weight loss goals. If you qualify for weight loss medication, your clinician will write a prescription and send it digitally to a local pharmacy. At MEDvidi, the process is straightforward:
- Sign up and book an appointment.
- Have a video consultation with a healthcare professional who will define if you require medicine and will provide you with a prescription if needed.
- Check the prescription status in your Personal Portal and fill the prescription.
- If recommended, attend follow-up appointments to monitor the results of treatment.
Cost and Insurance of Prescription Weight Loss Medications
The cost of the medications used for weight reduction varies depending on the dosage, pharmacy, insurance coverage, and the particular medication. The generic version (may be $10 to $70) cost less than the brand name versions($500 to $1400).
You can also use an insurance plan; however, these plans vary based on the specific medication prescribed and several other factors. FDA-approved medications are highly likely to have insurance coverage.
In case you don’t have insurance here are a few tips to help you save money.
- Discuss using generic versions of medicines with your doctor.
- Compare prices in different pharmacies.
- Some pharmacies may offer discounts or coupons which reduce the cost.
- Try to look for patient assistance programs that offer lower-cost of medicines.
Conclusion
Weight loss medicines can be effective. However, it’s important to create long-lasting habits that improve overall well-being and help maintain the results achieved while taking medication. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss what approach can suit you best and create a weight reduction plan tailored to your requirements and health objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most effective weight loss medications?
Are there any new options available for weight loss prescriptions?
Tirzepatide is a new GLP-1 medication. Approved in 2022, it is considered a beneficial weight-loss solution, as supported by several
