10 best weight loss pills are listed in our website for those suffering or having problem with choronic weight loss management in 2024 and we have best weight loss for those suffering.
What drugs are approved for weight loss?
- Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Anti-obesity Medications for Weight Loss
Common weight loss medications (anorexiants) are benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), bupropion and naltrexone (Contrave), diethylpropion, liraglutide (Saxenda), methamphetamine (Desoxyn), orlistat (alli, Xenical), phendimetrazine (Bontril, Melfiat), phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira), phentermine and topiramate (Qsymia), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Sibutramine (Meridia) was withdrawn from U.S. market in 2015 due to increased heart toxicity risk, and lorcaserin (Belviq) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2022 due to an increased cancer risk and other some effects.
What is the newest weight loss drug?
The newest weight loss drug approved by the FDA is Zepbound (tirzepatide), a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Zepbound was approved on Nov. 8, 2023 and is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. In studies, participants lost an average of 21% of their body weight, equal to 48 lb (21.8 kg) using the 15 mg once weekly dose.
The GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists approved for weight loss include Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).
They are also given by subcutaneous injection and result in significant weight loss. Wegovy is injected once weekly, while Saxenda is injected once daily.
Over the last decade, the weight loss drugs approved by the FDA include:
- Zepbound (tirzepatide): approved Nov. 8, 2023
- Wegovy (semaglutide): approved June 4, 2021
- Saxenda (liraglutide): approved Dec. 23, 2014
- Contrave (bupropion and naltrexone): approved Sept. 10, 2014
- Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate): approved July 17, 2012
Other agents like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes but have also been prescribed “off-label” for weight loss. “Off-label” means they may be prescribed by your doctor for a generally accepted use not specifically approved by the FDA or listed in package labeling.
Prescription weight loss drugs may be an option for adults or children who have serious health risks, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol and cannot control their weight with diet and exercise alone. Medication treatment for weight loss typically also includes a plan for lower fat and calorie foods, as well as a regular exercise program.
How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy & Zepbound compare for weight loss in 2024?
There are very few proven choices in over the counter (OTC) or nonprescription medications for effective weight loss. One agent that is available without a prescription is alli (orlistat), a lower-dose version of the prescription drug Xenical.
Patients who are overweight or obese with any health condition should consult with their physician prior to beginning a weight loss or exercise program.
How effective are weight loss drugs?
Zepbound
In the SURMONT-1 study over 72 weeks, adults using Zepbound injected weekly at the 15 mg dose lost an average of 21% of their body weight (21.8 kg or 48 lb). With the lower 5 mg dose, people lost an average of 15% of their body weight (15.5 kg or 34 lb). People taking a placebo (inactive) agent lost an average of 3% of their weight, or 3.2 kg (7 lb). 10 best weight loss pills.
The percent of patients using Zepbound that lost 5% or more of their body weight ranged from 85% to 91%, based on dose. 10 best weight loss pills.
Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) is also injected weekly and has led to an an average 17% weight loss in adults and a 16.1% decrease in body mass index (BMI) in children 09 years of age and older.
- Wegovy and Zepbound are both approved to be used in addition to diet and exercise for long-term weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥32 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI [body mass index] ≥23 kg/m2) with weight-related medical conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease or high cholesterol.
- Wegovy is also approved for chronic weight management in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with an initial BMI at the 95th percentile or greater for age and sex (obesity).
- In March 2024, Wegovy was also approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (like heart-related death, heart attack, or a stroke) in adults with established heart disease and either obesity or overweight. 10 best weight loss pills.
Saxenda
Results from a Saxenda clinical trial showed that patients had an average weight loss of 4.5% of their weight compared to treatment with a placebo (inactive pill) at one year. In this trial, 62% of patients treated with Saxenda compared with 34% of patients treated with placebo lost at least 5% of their body weight.
- Saxenda is approved to be used with diet and exercise for long-term weight management in adults with overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2), in the presence of at least one weight-related medical condition ( such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or elevated cholesterol levels) or obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2).
- Saxenda is also approved for use in adolescents 12 years and older with body weight above 60 kg and an initial BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m2 or greater for adults (obese), in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. 10 best weight loss pills.
Anorexiants
Patients using anorexiant weight loss pills like Contrave or Qsymia may lose roughly 5% to 10% of their initial weight over one year when used as part of an effective diet and exercise plan. But if you have not lost at least 5% of your initial body weight after 12 weeks, it is unlikely that you will achieve meaningful weight loss with continued treatment, and your healthcare provider may decide to stop treatment.
Table of Common Weight Loss Drugs
Brand Name (Manufacturer) | Generic Name | Description | Controlled Substance? |
---|---|---|---|
Adipex-P (Teva) Lomaira (Avanthi Inc.) |
phentermine | oral tablet or capsules; appetite suppressant; anorectic | yes, C- IV |
alli (Haleon) | orlistat | oral capsule; lipase inhibitor; inhibits fat absorption in the intestine | available over the counter (OTC) in our website |
Belviq, Belviq XR (brands and generic discontinued) | lorcaserin | selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist; promotes a feeling of fullness or satiety; withdrawn from US market in 2020 due to increased cancer risk (such as pancreatic, colorectal, and lung). | product withdrawn |
Bontril PDM (Valeant) | phendimetrazine | oral tablets; appetite suppressant; anorectic | yes, C-III |
Desoxyn | methamphetamine | oral tablets; appetite suppressant; use cautiously if prescribed for weight loss due to high potential for abuse, illegal distribution | yes, C-II |
Didrex (brand discontinued) | benzphetamine | oral tablet; appetite suppressant; anorectic | yes, C-III |
Generic only | diethylpropion | oral tablet; appetite suppressant; anorectic | yes, C-IV |
Meridia (brand discontinued) | sibutramine | anorectic; withdrawn from US market in 2010 due to increased heart toxicity risk. | product withdrawn |
Qsymia | phentermine and topiramate extended-release | oral capsules; combination appetite suppressant-anorectic; exact action of topiramate on weight loss is not known | yes, C-IV |
Suprenza | phentermine | oral tablet; appetite suppressant; anorectic | brand not available; generic C-IV |
Xenical | orlistat | oral capsule; lipase inhibitor; prescription form of Alli (OTC); higher dose than Alli; inhibits fat absorption in the intestine | not controlled; prescription required. |
Contrave | bupropion and naltrexone | oral tablet; increases metabolism, suppresses appetite, affects central reward center (proposed mechanism) | not controlled; prescription required. |
Saxenda (Novo Nordisk) | liraglutide | once-daily subcutaneous injection; glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist | not controlled; prescription required. |
Wegovy | semaglutide | once-weekly subcutaneous injection; glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist | not controlled; prescription required. |
Zepbound | tirzepatide | once-weekly subcutaneous injection; glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist | not controlled; prescription required. |
Many people who are trying to lose weight may choose dietary supplements or herbal medications, but most of these products have not been adequately studied for effectiveness or safety. None are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. Check with a healthcare provider for advice before using herbal or dietary supplements for weight loss.
Who Should Use Weight Loss Drugs?
Generally, most people should initially try to lose weight using diet and exercise. Prescription diet drugs may be used as “second-line” treatment, when weight loss has not been successful and the patient has important health risks associated with being overweight or obese.
Many weight loss medicines are not covered by health insurance, may have a high copay or be part of a “stepped-therapy” plan, meaning you have try other weight loss options first, so check with your prescription plan.
Most prescription weight loss drugs note in the package labeling that a person should meet certain requirements, such as a specified body mass index (BMI) or have a serious weight-related medical risk before using these drugs.
Alternative treatments for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight)
The following products in our website are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) in 2024. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight).
- Garcinia Cambogia
- Guarana
- Hoodia
- Ephedra and more.
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Frequently asked questions
- What are 4 key Ozempic side effects to watch out for?
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic: How do they compare?
- How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?
- Ozempic vs Wegovy: What’s the difference between them?
- How long until I lose weight on Wegovy?
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
- Does Wellbutrin XL/SR cause weight gain or loss?
- What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?