Losing weight is no easy feat. It requires time, dedication, and motivation, coupled with frequent exercise and a healthy, balanced diet. Luckily, there are supplements that can aid a person in their weight loss journey.
While there are many weight loss medications being marketed today, not all of them are safe and effective. Hence the importance of being selective about what you take for weight loss — they should, first and foremost, be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and second, be proven effective.
So that you don’t have to, we scoured the list of the most effective weight loss medications that are FDA-approved and found the best ones that can help you lose weight safely and efficiently.
6 Effective FDA-Approved Weight Loss Pills
- Orlistat
Orlistat is a medication that has been shown to be effective for weight loss. In clinical trials, people who took Orlistat lost more weight than those who did not. It works by preventing the absorption of fat from food, which means that you will absorb fewer calories from fat, helping you shed weight. Orlistat is available by prescription and over the counter.
- Phentermine
Phentermine works by suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism, making it easier for patients to stick to their diet and exercise plan. Because of this, it has been proven effective in weight loss. In one study, patients who took Phentermine lost an average of 5% of their body weight over the course of 12 weeks.
- Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a medication that has been approved for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. However, some researchers have found that it may also be effective for weight loss.
A study involving obese individuals found that those who took Naltrexone lost more weight than those who did not take the medication. Another study, published in the Journal of Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism in 2014, found that Naltrexone helped people lose weight and keep it off for up to a year.
Naltrexone works by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors. This can help to reduce cravings for food and make you feel fuller after eating. It is thought that Naltrexone may also help to boost metabolism and burn more calories.
- Liraglutide
Liraglutide is another effective FDA-approved weight loss pill. In one study, participants who took Liraglutide lost an average of 5% of their body weight after 16 weeks, while those who did not take the medication only lost an average of 2% of their body weight.
Liraglutide is thought to work by reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, which may lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
- Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone that helps regulate appetite and food intake. By mimicking the effects of GLP-1, Semaglutide helps reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness.
- Benzphetamine
Benzphetamine is most commonly used as a short-term treatment for obesity. It is usually prescribed for people who are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. The medication works by suppressing appetite and increasing metabolism. This can help people to eat less and burn more calories.
Benzphetamine is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects. These include dry mouth, irritability, and insomnia. Some people may also experience more serious side effects such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and stroke. Benzphetamine should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Talk To a Doctor About Taking Weight Loss Pills
There are various FDA-approved weight loss pills designed to help you lose weight and keep it off. But remember that these medications cannot completely substitute exercise and a healthy diet. Instead, they should only supplement the already proven weight loss strategies.
If you are considering any of these weight loss pills, make sure to consult your doctor first to determine if they are fit for you.