Trying to lose weight can be tough, especially with our modern lifestyle. We’re surrounded by foods high in calories. A good mix of diet and exercise is key. But, for adults with serious health issues from being overweight, prescription weight loss drugs can help.
The FDA has approved some long-term prescription drugs for weight loss. These drugs can make you feel less hungry, more full, or change how your body absorbs fat. But remember, these drugs work best when used with changes in your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- The FDA has approved several prescription weight loss medications for long-term use to help manage obesity and support weight loss.
- These medications work by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or affecting the way the body absorbs fat.
- Prescription weight loss drugs should be used in combination with lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, for the best results.
- Medical weight loss programs often incorporate a variety of strategies, including prescription medications, to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals.
- Regular monitoring and adjustments by medical professionals are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of any weight loss program.
Introduction to Medical Weight Loss
Obesity is a big health issue, with over 40% of adults in the U.S. having it. Keeping a healthy weight is hard for many, and diet and exercise might not be enough. That’s why medical weight loss programs can help.
Understanding the Need for Professional Intervention
Experts can find out why you might be gaining weight and create a plan just for you. They offer support and check-ups to help you manage your weight safely and effectively. These programs use proven methods, like prescription drugs, to help you reach your health goals.
Benefits of Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals
- Access to prescription weight loss medications that can enhance weight loss efforts
- Continuous monitoring and support from healthcare professionals
- Improved long-term weight management and reduced risk of obesity-related health complications
Working with a healthcare provider gives you the help and advice you need to lose weight and keep it off. Medically supervised weight loss programs are a great choice for those facing weight issues. They offer a full approach to better health and well-being.
“Trusting the education and knowledge of a doctor and engaging in a medical weight loss program tailored to one’s needs can lead to successful weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.”
Prescription Weight Loss Medications
The FDA has approved several prescription medications for long-term weight loss. These drugs work in different ways, like reducing hunger or making you feel full. Studies show that these medications, when used with a healthy lifestyle, can lead to significant weight loss. This can be up to 3% to 12% more than just changing your lifestyle.
FDA-Approved Drugs for Long-Term Use
There are six weight-loss drugs approved for long-term use by the FDA. They include:
- Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
How Weight Loss Drugs Work and Their Effectiveness
Losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can bring big health benefits. This includes better blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels. Combining these drugs with lifestyle changes leads to more weight loss than just changing your lifestyle alone.
But, it’s key to know that these drugs can have side effects. Many people also gain back some of the weight they lost after stopping the medication.
| Prescription Weight Loss Medication | Mechanism of Action | Average Weight Loss Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave) | Reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness | 5-10% of total body weight |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | Increases feelings of fullness and reduces appetite | 5-10% of total body weight |
| Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) | Reduces the absorption of fat in the body | 5-10% of total body weight |
| Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia) | Reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness | 7-10% of total body weight |
| Semaglutide (Wegovy) | Increases feelings of fullness and reduces appetite | 12-15% of total body weight |
| Setmelanotide (Imcivree) | Targets specific genetic conditions that cause severe obesity | 10-15% of total body weight |
Achieve Medical Weight Loss: The Role of Prescription Drugs
Prescription weight loss medications can be a big help for people who find it hard to lose weight with diet and exercise. These drugs are approved by the FDA and should be part of a full treatment plan. This plan also includes eating healthy and staying active.
Using these medications with lifestyle changes can greatly improve your chances of losing weight for the long term. This can lead to better health and lower risks of obesity-related problems. In the U.S., more than 4 in 10 adults are overweight, and about 1 in 10 have severe obesity.
Research shows that these medications, along with lifestyle changes, can help people lose 3% to 12% more weight than without medication in a year. Some people even lose 10% or more of their weight. Over half of those on certain medications hit this goal.
Losing 5% to 10% of your weight can improve health markers like blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. You can start seeing results in the first 6 months. The FDA has approved some medications for kids as young as 6 with certain genetic disorders causing obesity.
Drugs like orlistat and phentermine-topiramate are approved for long-term use in adults and kids over 12. These medications can make traditional weight loss methods more effective. They are a key tool in fighting obesity and its health risks.
“Prescription weight loss medications have helped millions of people achieve their health and wellness goals.”
In summary, the importance of prescription drugs in medical weight loss is huge. Working with healthcare providers to create a plan that includes both medications and lifestyle changes is key. This approach can help you reach your weight loss goals and improve your health.
Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave)
Bupropion-naltrexone, known as Contrave, is a weight loss drug approved for long-term use. It targets the brain areas that control hunger and cravings. This helps reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
Mechanism of Action and Effectiveness
Contrave combines bupropion, an antidepressant and smoking aid, with naltrexone, a drug for alcohol and opioid addiction. Together, they aim to tackle the brain factors that lead to weight gain and make losing weight hard.
Studies show Contrave is effective for weight loss. It helps adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or those with a BMI of 27 or more and weight-related health issues, lose a lot of weight. This is when used with diet and exercise.
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Increased blood pressure
Contrave can also have serious side effects. These include suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, and opioid overdose. Patients should be closely watched by their doctors while taking this drug.
Contrave is a prescription option for those struggling with obesity or being overweight with health problems. It’s crucial to talk about the benefits and risks with a healthcare professional before starting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Approved for | Adults with BMI ≥30 or adults with BMI ≥27 who have a weight-related medical issue |
| Mechanism of Action | Reduces hunger and controls cravings |
| Potential Side Effects | Nausea, constipation, headaches, increased blood pressure |
| Cost | Approximately $212 for a one-month supply |
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide, known as Saxenda, is a weight management drug approved by the FDA. It’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone that controls appetite and glucose levels. This helps people feel full longer, leading to less calorie intake and weight loss.
Saxenda is given as a daily injection and has been proven effective in studies. For adults with weight-related health issues or obesity, and for children aged 12-17 with obesity, Saxenda helps achieve and keep a healthy weight.
While Saxenda helps with weight loss, it has side effects to consider. Adults may experience nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Serious issues like thyroid tumors and heart problems are rare but possible.
“Saxenda should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for the best results,” emphasizes Dr. Sarah Renand, a leading weight management specialist.
People thinking about liraglutide (Saxenda) should talk to their doctor about risks and benefits. It’s important to use this weight loss medication safely and effectively.
In summary, Saxenda (liraglutide) is a drug that helps with chronic weight management. Knowing how it works, its side effects, and the need for a full weight loss plan helps people make informed choices. This way, they can work with their healthcare team to reach their health goals.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat is known as Xenical (prescription) and Alli (over-the-counter). It helps stop the body from absorbing some fat from food. This can help people manage their weight and improve health.
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Strengths
Xenical is a stronger version of orlistat, given as a 120-milligram capsule with meals three times a day. It stops about one-third of dietary fat from being digested. Alli is a weaker version, with 60 milligrams, stopping about one-quarter of fat absorption.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Orlistat can cause side effects like gas, diarrhea, and oily stools due to less fat absorption. To lessen these effects, eat a low-fat diet. Rarely, serious liver problems have been reported, but a link to orlistat is not proven.
Doctors usually prescribe orlistat for a BMI over 28. Alli is for adults 18 and older with a BMI of 25 or more. It comes in single, twin, or triple packs for 84 days, making it easier for some to use.
“Orlistat is an effective weight-loss tool, but it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects and to follow a low-fat diet to minimize discomfort.”
Orlistat can help with weight loss, but it’s not the only choice. Other options like Mounjaro®, Wegovy®, and Saxenda® might be right for some people. Always talk to a healthcare provider to find the best plan for you.
Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
Qsymia is a mix of phentermine and topiramate. It’s approved for long-term weight control. Phentermine helps reduce hunger, and topiramate aids in weight loss. Together, they work better than either one alone.
But, Qsymia has risks to consider. Phentermine can be misused, and this combo may cause side effects like a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, and constipation. Topiramate also raises the chance of birth defects, so it’s not safe during pregnancy.
A 30-day Qsymia prescription costs about $75 with insurance, after a $70 copay. Without insurance or paying cash, it’s $134.
- With commercial insurance, you can get up to $75 off Qsymia’s cost.
- Home delivery pharmacies offer Qsymia for $98, including 6-week and 30-day packs.
Qsymia is for adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with weight-related health issues. It’s also for kids aged 12 and up with certain BMI levels.
Qsymia is a combination weight loss medication but talk to your doctor about risks and side effects before starting it. This will help you decide if it’s right for you and your health.
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Semaglutide, known as Wegovy, is a new kind of medicine approved for weight management. It’s given as an injection and works like a hormone in our body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps control hunger and blood sugar levels.
Wegovy is given once a week, making it easy for people to stick with it for long-term weight loss. Many users have seen big drops in weight when they used it with a healthy lifestyle.
Potential Side Effects of Semaglutide
Like all medicines, Wegovy might have side effects. Common ones include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Some people might also have more gallbladder problems with semaglutide. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any side effects and how to manage them.
“Wegovy can help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems to lose excess body weight and maintain weight loss.”
For the best results with semaglutide, use it with a full plan for weight management. This includes eating well, staying active, and seeing your doctor regularly. This way, you can make the most of this new weight loss option.
Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Setmelanotide, known as Imcivree, is a new drug approved by the FDA for treating rare obesity caused by certain genetic conditions. It targets the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) pathway. This pathway is key to controlling appetite and energy balance.
Imcivree is for people with specific genetic issues like POMC deficiency, PCSK1 deficiency, and LEPR deficiency. These conditions often lead to severe obesity and uncontrollable hunger, or hyperphagia.
Rare Genetic Conditions and Usage Guidelines
Setmelanotide is for patients 6 and older with certain genetic conditions. It comes as a daily injection. Side effects may include skin color changes, nausea, diarrhea, and feeling sad.
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is one condition that can be treated with setmelanotide. It’s found in 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 160,000 people in North America and Europe. Obesity happens quickly in BBS patients, affecting 92% within a year.
The cost-effectiveness of setmelanotide (Imcivree) is being debated. It costs between $2.3 million and $2.7 million per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Without a price cut, it might not be seen as cost-effective at $50,000 per QALY. Yet, it’s being considered for treating obesity in adults and kids with BBS.
“Setmelanotide helped control appetite and hunger, manage weight, and improve quality of life in BBS patients,” according to clinical experts.
Choosing the Right Weight Loss Medication
When looking into weight loss medications, it’s key to work with your healthcare provider. They will help pick the best option for you. You’ll need to think about your health history, weight loss goals, and the possible side effects. Also, the safety and effectiveness of the drug are important.
Your healthcare provider will look at the risks and benefits of different drugs for you. They’ll consider your unique situation and what you prefer. You’ll work together to create a plan that includes medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ins for safe weight management.
Factors to Consider with Your Healthcare Provider
- Your current health status and any pre-existing medical conditions
- Your weight loss goals and the timeline for achieving them
- The potential side effects and contraindications of the medication
- Your willingness to make lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise
- Your ability to closely monitor your progress and follow the prescribed treatment plan
Working with your healthcare provider ensures you get the right weight loss medication for you. This teamwork helps you lose weight safely and keeps your health in mind.
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Potential Side Effects | Approval Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave) | Combination of an antidepressant and an opioid antagonist | Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, headache, dizziness | FDA-approved for long-term use |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates appetite and metabolism | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, headache | FDA-approved for chronic weight management |
| Semaglutide (Wegovy) | GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates appetite and metabolism | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, headache | FDA-approved for chronic weight management |
“Choosing the right weight loss medication is a collaborative process between you and your healthcare provider. Together, you can find the most suitable option that aligns with your individual goals and health needs.”
Conclusion
Getting to a healthy weight often means using a mix of prescription drugs, changing your lifestyle, and getting help from experts. The FDA has okayed many long-term drugs for weight loss. These should be used with a healthy diet and regular workouts.
Working with a doctor helps people find the right weight loss drugs for them. It’s important to know the good and bad of these drugs. This way, you can make a plan that fits your health needs and weight goals.
Adding these drugs to a plan that focuses on lasting lifestyle changes is crucial. This is how you can safely and effectively lose weight.
How well a weight loss program works depends on how much a person is committed to it. People may see their cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar go down. They might also lower their risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Medical weight loss programs can help people keep off the weight they lose for many years. This is good news for those who stick with the program.
If you’re looking into weight loss drugs or a full medical weight loss plan, talk to a doctor first. They can help you figure out what’s best for you. With a plan based on science and a focus on overall health, you can work towards lasting weight loss and better health.