As a weight loss expert, I have seen countless patients struggle with their weight and turn to prescription medications for help. One of the most commonly prescribed weight loss pills is phentermine, which has been around for decades. Originally used as a short-term medication to accelerate weight loss, it is now also recommended for long-term therapy. Studies have shown that patients can lose up to 5% of their body weight by taking phentermine. But how do these medications actually work? Most prescription weight-loss drugs function by suppressing appetite or making you feel full.
For example, naltrexone is typically used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction, while bupropion is an antidepressant that can also help people quit smoking. However, it's important to note that bupropion contains a warning about the risk of suicide and may also cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and constipation.
Liraglutide
is another medication that is commonly prescribed for weight loss, but it is primarily used to control diabetes. This daily injection has been shown to be effective in helping patients lose weight, but it may also cause side effects such as gas and loose stools. It's important to follow a low-fat diet while taking this medication. Another popular weight loss pill is orlistat, which can be obtained in reduced strength without a prescription under the brand name Alli.This drug works by preventing the absorption of fat in the body, but it may also cause side effects such as gas and loose stools. In rare cases, orlistat has been linked to serious liver damage, although researchers have not found a direct causation. One of the newest weight loss medications on the market is a combination of phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is a stimulant drug that can be misused, while topiramate is an anticonvulsant that has been shown to increase the risk of birth defects. Another medication, semaglutide, is taken as a weekly injection and is primarily used to control type 2 diabetes.
However, it has also been found to be effective in helping patients lose weight.
Setmelanotide
is a prescription drug that is limited to people who have been diagnosed with specific rare genetic disorders. It works by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. However, it should never be given to children under the age of 6, as it can cause dangerous reactions. The most recently approved weight loss drugs are semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Other older medications include liraglutide (Saxenda), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), orlistat (Alli, Xenical), and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia).Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is a prescription medication that decreases appetite and can help patients lose weight or feel satisfied for longer periods of time. The FDA has approved six prescription drugs for long-term weight management: orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Four of these medications are approved for adults and children ages 12 and older, while setmelanotide is limited to those with specific genetic disorders. It's important to note that these medications should only be taken as long as they are beneficial and do not cause serious side effects. Xenical (orlistat) is a popular weight loss drug that belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors. There is also a tablet form of semaglutide called Rybelsus, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and should be taken once a day. Many antidepressants have been found to cause weight gain, while others are weight-neutral or even promote weight loss.
In addition to helping patients lose weight, these medications have also been shown to improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. However, it's important to remember that obesity is a chronic condition and requires long-term lifestyle changes in order to maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that taking prescription weight-loss drugs for a year can result in a loss of 3-12% more body weight than lifestyle changes alone. If you are obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, prescription weight-loss drugs may be an option for you. While they are not approved specifically for obesity treatment, tirzepatide has been found to be highly effective in helping patients lose weight during trials for diabetes treatment. Research has shown that some people who take prescription weight-loss drugs can lose up to 10% or more of their starting weight. However, it's important to note that losing fat on your face can change the shape of your features and make your eyes and cheeks appear sunken.
And if these medications do work for you, it's likely that you will need to continue taking them indefinitely in order to maintain your weight loss. One of the biggest barriers to accessing prescription weight-loss drugs is their high cost and limited availability. This has led to the perception that they are only for the rich and famous who want to look good on the red carpet. However, these medications can be life-changing for those who struggle with obesity and have not found success with other weight loss methods. If you are prescribed Qsymia and do not lose at least 3% of your weight after 12 weeks, the FDA recommends that you stop taking it or that your doctor increase the dose for the next 12 weeks. If that still does not work, you should gradually stop taking it.
In a study comparing liraglutide and orlistat, participants who took liraglutide lost an average of 17 pounds in seven months, while those who took orlistat lost an average of 7 pounds. It's important to remember that after losing weight, your body will adapt metabolically, which can lead to increased hunger hormones and decreased satiety hormones and resting metabolism. This can contribute to weight regain, which is why it's crucial to continue healthy eating and exercise habits even after stopping medication. In conclusion, prescription weight-loss drugs can be a helpful tool for those struggling with obesity. When combined with lifestyle changes, they can help patients lose weight and maintain a healthier weight in the long term. If you are considering taking these medications, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks.
