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What is Weight-loss supplements?

Weight-loss supplements contain many ingredients—like herbs, fiber, and minerals—in different amounts and in many combinations. Sold in forms such as capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders, some products have dozens of ingredients.

Prescription weight loss medications, including GLP-1 agonists, orlistat, and semblative, may be effective for some people. But other lifestyle changes are still necessary for long-term success.

If it’s challenging to lose weight despite making changes to your diet and increasing your physical activity, you may be wondering whether a prescription weight loss medication is right for you.

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These medications tend to work via one or more of these mechanisms:

• reducing appetite, making you feel fuller, so you eat fewer calories
• reducing the absorption of nutrients, such as fat, making you take in fewer calories
• increasing metabolism, making you burn more calories

When paired with other lifestyle changes and taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional, these drugs may offer an effective way to lower your weight.

We reviewed all of the weight loss medications that are currently available, including how they work, who they might be appropriate for, research on their effectiveness, and potential safety concerns.

What medications are FDA approved for weight loss?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several drugs for losing weight with overweight and obesity. These medications require a prescription from a doctor and should only be taken under medical supervision.

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• GLP-1 agonists, including liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound)
• orlistat (Xenical)
• phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia)
• naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave)
• setmelanotide (Imcivree)
• appetite suppressants, including phentermine (Adipex-P or Lomaira)

These medications should be combined with a balanced weight loss diet, as alone, they’re not likely a helpful long-term solution for obesity and may lead to weight regain over time.

They also have many possible side effects, some of which can be serious. weight loss supplements.

How effective are prescription weight loss drugs?

Weight loss medications can be an effective tool to support weight management.

Most work by reducing your food intake, decreasing fat absorption, or increasing metabolism, resulting in significant weight loss over time.

In most cases, these prescription medications can typically result in around 5–10%Trusted Source weight loss. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including the specific medication that you take.

Keep in mind that these medications should be used alongside dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical activity.

Not only will adopting dietary and lifestyle changes help increase the effectiveness of weight loss drugs, but they may also help minimize weight regain, which often occurs after you stop taking these medications.

Pros and cons of weight loss medications

Pros

• effective for weight loss when used alongside dietary changes and regular physical activity
• approved by FDA for weight management
• might offer other health benefits, including improved blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels
• many medications available through telehealth platforms

Cons

• not suitable for everyone
• some medications may be expensive, depending on insurance coverage
• can cause side effects, some of which may be serious
• weight regain is possible once medication is discontinued
• more research needed on long-term health effects

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Prescription weight loss medications

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• GLP-1 agonists [liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy)]
• orlistat
• phentermine/topiramate
• naltrexone/bupropion
• setmelanotide
• appetite suppressants

GLP-1 agonists

Three GLP-1 agonists have been approved for weight loss, including liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound). All three are available as a self-administered injection, but liraglutide is administered once daily, while semaglutide and tirzepatide are only injected once per week.

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Though not approved specifically for weight loss, some other GLP-1 agonists intended to treat type 2 diabetes are sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management, including Trusted Source:

• semaglutide (Ozempic or Rybelsus)
• dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• liraglutide (Victoza)
• exenatide (Byetta)
• exenatide extended-release (Bydureon BCise)
• tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

GLP-1 agonists are only available through a prescription from a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Several telehealth services and weight loss programs may also provide prescriptions if you meet the eligibility criteria.

How it works: GLP-1 agonists work by slowing Trusted Source the emptying of the stomach, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing the secretion of glucagon, a hormone involved in regulating appetite. Weight Loss Supplements.

Effectiveness: Several studies have found that GLP-1 agonists could be beneficial for weight management.

For instance, one study with 1,961 adults found that taking 2.4 milligrams (mg) of semaglutide per week combined with lifestyle changes resulted in a near 15%Trusted Source reduction in body weight after 68 weeks.

Another small study found that people taking liraglutide lost an average of 17.2 lb (7.8 kg) Trusted Source over 6 months.

More recently, a 2023 phase 3 clinical trial in 2,539 adults found that people taking tirzepatide lost 20% or more of their weight over the course of 72 weeks. weight loss supplements.

Side effects: Common side effects include Trusted Source nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, increased heart rate, infections, and indigestion.

Though uncommon, severe side effects have also been reported, which may require medical attention. These include kidney problems, thyroid C-cell tumors, gallbladder disease, low blood sugar, and suicidal ideation. It’s important to be in regular contact with your healthcare professional to monitor for these side effects. weight loss supplements.

More research is also needed on the long-term effects of these medications, as there’s concern about potential weight regain over time.

Contraindications: This medication is not recommended Trusted Source for people with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome type 2, history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis, pregnancy, and current use of certain prescription medications.

Additionally, people with severe gastrointestinal conditions Trusted Source, such as gastroparesis and inflammatory bowel disease should avoid taking GLP-1 agonists.

Jargon-buster: “Contraindications” are any reason that someone shouldn’t take a specific medication.

Want to get started with a GLP-1 medication for weight loss?

Whether you’re interested in liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), or tirzepatide (Zepbound), you’ll need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional like your primary care physician.

The best way to obtain a prescription is by meeting with your doctor in person. However, if you’re looking for a more convenient alternative, there are a few online options worth considering, including:

• Plushcare: A doctor-led weight loss program, which may include GLP-1 prescriptions for eligible individuals. Meet with healthcare professionals online, many of whom are in-network with most large insurance companies.
• Sesame: A telehealth platform offering same-day appointments with licensed physicians.
• Noom Med: An addition to the company’s signature psychology-based weight loss app for people unable to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone.

Learn more about how to get Wegovy and Zepbound in-person or online.

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Orlistat (Xenical)

Orlistat is an oral medication that’s available via prescription as Xenical. It can also be purchased over the counter as the brand Alli.

After a medical consultation, a doctor can prescribe orlistat. Certain telehealth services may also provide a prescription for this medication.

How it works: Orlistat works by blocking the activity of certain enzymes used to break down fats in the digestive tract, which helps to reduce Trusted Source the number of calories you absorb.

Effectiveness: According to a 2011 study Trusted Source of 80 people with obesity, those who took orlistat lost an average of 10.3 pounds (lb), or 4.65 kilograms (kg), after 6 months. They also experienced significant reductions in body mass index (BMI), belly fat, and total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Side effects: Orlistat often causes digestive issues like loose or oily stools, gas, and frequent bowel movements, making the medication difficult for some people to tolerate. It could also contribute to nutrient deficiencies, including in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, or K.

Following a low-fat diet is typically recommended while taking this medication to help minimize adverse side effects.

Contraindications: chronic malabsorption, cholestasis (a type of liver disease), pregnancy, renal impairment, and current use of certain prescription medications.

Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia)

Phentermine/topiramate is an oral medication that requires a prescription from a doctor and is sold under the brand Qsymia.

How it works: This medication includesTrusted Source phentermine, a central nervous system stimulant and appetite suppressant with similar mechanisms to amphetamine. It also includes topiramate, an anticonvulsant that helps reduce appetite and enhance satiety (feeling full) to promote weight loss.

Effectiveness: One research review concluded that phentermine/topiramate resulted in an average weight loss of 17 lb (7.7 kg) Trusted Source and significantly reduced belly fat, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Another review comparing the effectiveness of several weight loss medications found that people with overweight or obesity who took phentermine/topiramate lost an average of 19.4 lb (8.8 kg) Trusted Source after 1 year.

Side effects: The most common Trusted Source side effects associated with phentermine/topiramate include dry mouth, constipation, and a sensation of pins and needles (paresthesia).

It could also cause increased body temperature, an inability to sweat, and psychiatric or cognitive disturbances.

Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with glaucoma (eye conditions that can lead to blindness), a history of hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, recent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and current use of certain prescription medications.

Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave)

This medication, sold under the name Contrave, is an oral medication that combines Trusted Source bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, which is used to manage opioid or alcohol use disorder.

A doctor can determine whether Contrave may be a good option for you and then provide a prescription. Some online services may also prescribe Contrave following a virtual consultation with a healthcare professional.

How it works: Though the exact mechanism of naltrexone/bupropion isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to promoteTrusted Source weight loss by acting on certain parts of the brain to reduce food intake, boost metabolism, and increase feelings of fullness.

Effectiveness: One review of four studies showed that naltrexone/bupropion was associated with significant weight loss compared with a placebo, with participants losing an average of 11–22 lb (5–9 kg) Trusted Source.

Another review had similar findings, reporting that naltrexone/bupropion could be effectiveTrusted Source for long-term weight loss maintenance as well.

Side effects: Naltrexone/bupropion may cause Trusted Source nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and insomnia. It might also increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with a history of seizures, end-stage renal disease, pregnancy, and current use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, opioids, or certain other prescription medications.

Setmelanotide (Imcivree)

Setmelanotide, sold as Imcivree, is in a class of medications known as melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptor agonists. It’s an injectable medication approvedTrusted Source for treating obesity caused by certain genetic mutations and is available only via prescription.

How it works: People with specific genetic mutations may experience insufficient activation of melanocortin receptorsTrusted Source in the brain, which could contribute to obesity.

Setmelanotide works by increasing the activation of these receptors, leading to reduced hunger, decreased calorie intake, and increased metabolism, all of which could promote weight loss.

Effectiveness: One study in 21 people taking setmelanotide found that around 62%Trusted Source of participants achieved at least 10% weight loss after 1 year. Participants also experienced a significant reduction in hunger with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported.

Another small study in children, adolescents, and adults foundTrusted Source that setmelanotide significantly improved quality of life as early as 5 weeks after starting treatment, which could be related to reduced hunger and body weight.

Side effects: Some of the most common side effects of setmelanotide include injection site reactions, hyperpigmentation, nausea, headache, diarrhea, and stomach or back pain. Fatigue, vomiting, and depression have also been reported.

Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with renal impairment, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Appetite suppressants

There are several anorectics, or appetite suppressants, available, including phentermine (Adipex-P or Lomaira).

Phentermine is taken orally and requires a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional.

How it works: These medications reduce appetite by alteringTrusted Source levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to weight loss.

Effectiveness: One study in 3,411 people compared the effectiveness of several medications for obesity and found that people taking phentermine lost the highest percentage of body weight over 12 weeks. Those taking phentermine lost an average of 8.3 lb (3.75 kg) Trusted Source throughout the study.

However, keep in mind that these medications are only recommended for short-term use, as you can build up a tolerance after several weeks, resulting in decreased effectiveness.

Side effects: Potential side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Other severe side effects have been reported and require immediate medical attention, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and swelling of the lower extremities.

Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with a history of heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, diabetes, pregnancy, and certain prescription medications.

Who are weight loss drugs for?

Most weight loss medications are approvedTrusted Source for adults with obesity or with overweight and at least one weight-related condition, such as:

• type 2 diabetes
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol

Similarly, setmelanotide (Imcivree), is intendedTrusted Source to treat obesity caused by certain genetic disorders.

These medications are designed for people who haven’t been able to achieve weight loss through other methods, including diet or lifestyle changes.

Though they shouldn’t be considered a quick fix, these medications can be a useful tool to support weight management when combined with regular physical activity and a nutritious diet.

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Keep in mind that weight loss medications are not suitable for everyone, including people who are pregnant, those with certain health conditions, or individuals taking specific medications.

A healthcare professional can provide guidance on whether you might be a candidate for a prescription, depending on your personal goals, medical history, and health status.

Weight loss medications and pregnancy

Weight loss medications are not recommended during pregnancy Trusted Source and may not be safe for people who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, or anyone who’s breastfeeding. Contact a trusted healthcare professional, like your OB-GYN, before taking any weight loss medications or supplements.