As a medical professional with years of experience in the field of weight loss, I have seen countless patients struggle with their weight and turn to various methods for help. One of the most common questions I am asked is, 'What is the #1 weight loss pill?' And while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there is one prescription weight-loss pill that stands out based on data reported in clinical studies: Qsymia.Qsymia is a combination of two medications, phentermine and topiramate, and it has been shown to lead to the most amount of weight loss compared to other prescription weight-loss pills. Phentermine, the oldest and most commonly used weight-loss medication, was originally used as a short-term solution for rapid weight loss. However, recent medical guidelines have expanded its use to long-term therapy. Studies have shown that patients taking phentermine can lose around 5% of their body weight.
While this may not seem like a significant amount, it can make a big difference in overall health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy weight can be a lifelong challenge, but it is crucial for preventing obesity-related health problems. Along with following a healthy diet and staying physically active, weight-loss medications may be an option for those who are obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. For an adult who is 5 feet 8 inches tall, this equates to a weight of 197 pounds or more. Your doctor may also prescribe weight-loss medications if your BMI is at least 27 and you have one or more weight-related health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
These medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie eating plan and exercise program. While many people have seen significant weight loss with the help of these medications, others may not experience the same results. One of the biggest barriers to accessing weight-loss medications is insurance coverage. While some insurance plans do cover these drugs, it is not common. They are more likely to be covered if they are prescribed for an additional purpose, such as reducing the risk of heart disease.
Medicare Part D may also cover weight-loss drugs if they are prescribed to treat another health condition, such as diabetes. The newest prescription drugs approved to treat obesity are semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Other older medications include liraglutide (Saxenda), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), orlistat (Alli, Xenical), and phentermine topiramate (Qsymia). Before being prescribed a weight-loss medication, it is essential to discuss your medical history with your doctor. This includes any allergies or other conditions you may have, as well as any medications or supplements you are taking.
It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or planningto become pregnant soon.
The Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Weight Loss
A class of medications called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP) agonists has been shown to be effective in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 is a hormone found in the digestive system that is released when you eat. It signals your body to produce insulin to control blood sugar levels and also slows down the speed at which food passes through the stomach. This hormone also sends a signal to the brain that you feel full. If your body does not produce enough of this hormone or if it does not work properly, a GLP-1 agonist can stimulate your system.In addition to helping with weight loss and blood sugar control, these medications have also been shown to improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, it is important to note that GLP-1 agonists can lower your blood sugar level, so they should not be taken at the same time as insulin or other diabetes medications to avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels.
The Newest Weight Loss Medications
Semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) are the newest prescription drugs approved for treating obesity. In the largest clinical trial conducted before FDA approval, patients taking the highest dose of Wegovy (2.4 milligrams) lost an average of more than 12% of their body weight over 17 months. Wegovy is an injection given once a week with a pre-filled pen into the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.The dose starts low at 0.25 milligrams and gradually increases over several months to the prescribed amount of either 1.7 or 2.4 milligrams. It is important to note that Wegovy is approved for long-term use, unlike many other weight-loss medications that are only approved for short-term use (12 weeks or less). As with any medication, there are potential side effects to be aware of. Some of the less common but more serious side effects include allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, pancreatitis, blurred vision, increased heart rate, and suicidal thoughts. While semaglutide has been shown to cause a rare type of thyroid tumor in animals, it is not known if it can cause thyroid cancer in humans. It is important to continue taking semaglutide as prescribed to maintain weight loss.
Stopping the medication can lead to regaining most of the weight lost. It is worth noting that despite what you may see in advertisements, there are currently no approved generic versions of Wegovy. The FDA warns against using versions of semaglutide from compounding pharmacies or other facilities, as they may have a different formula than the brand-name version and may not be as effective or safe.
Other Weight Loss Medications
Ozempic (semaglutide) is another GLP-1 agonist that has been shown to help with weight loss. While it is not approved for weight control, many patients who take it do experience weight loss. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose.Ozempic is an injection given once a week with a pre-filled pen into the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The starting dose is 0.25 milligrams for the first month and then increases to 0.50 milligrams. Some patients may be prescribed 1 or 2 milligrams. As with any medication, there are potential side effects to be aware of. Some of the less common but more serious side effects include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, kidney problems, gallbladder problems, and changes in vision.
You may have heard the term 'face from Ozempic' used to describe the change in appearance of people who have lost a significant amount of weight. This is due to the loss of fat on the face, which can result in wrinkles and changes in facial features.
Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Medications
One of the biggest barriers to accessing weight-loss medications is insurance coverage. Ozempic is generally covered for diabetes management, but Wegovy is less likely to be covered. Saxenda (liraglutide) is another GLP-1 agonist that is approved for weight loss.It is an injection given once a day with a pre-filled pen into the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The starting dose for Saxenda is 0.6 milligrams for the first week and gradually increases over a month to 3 milligrams a day. As with any medication, there are potential side effects to be aware of, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. While weight-loss medications can be an effective tool for managing obesity and improving overall health, it is important to remember that they are not a magic solution. Along with taking medication, it is crucial to follow a healthy diet and stay physically active. If you are considering weight-loss medication, be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks.
