WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION?
When considering starting a medical weight loss program, many people what to know what is the most effective weight loss medication. Here is a comprehensive list of the various medications that are used in medical weight loss programs and their effectiveness according to current research.
Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss
Semaglutide is one of the newest FDA approved medications for weight loss and has become extremely popular over the last few years due to its impressive efficacy. Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. According to studies individuals taking semaglutide lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight. This is a once per week injection that is approved for the treatment of obesity that can be used on a long term basis. The downside about this medication is that it is very expensive with limited health insurance coverage available for the average person and because it is so popular there have been nationwide shortages making it quite difficult to access. This medication should not be taken by anyone who has a history of pancreatic or medullary thyroid cancer and some individuals cannot tolerate it due to its propensity to cause GI side effects such as nausea, constipation or diarrhea.
Phentermine for weight loss
Phentermine is an amphetamine-like prescription medication used to suppress appetite. It can help with weight loss by decreasing hunger or making people feel full earlier and for longer. The average weight loss when taking phentermine is 3% of body weight after 3 months and 5–7% after 6 months. Benefits of taking phentermine are that it is convenient, has been around for a long time, and can be a very effective weight loss tool for most people. The downsides are that it is a controlled susbstance which can make access to it a bit more challenging. Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease she not take this medication. Side effects may include elevated heart rate, headaches, nervousness and elevated blood pressure.
Contrave for weight loss
Contrave is a weight loss medication that combines two medications, bupropion and naltrexone that together reduce hunger and control cravings to help with weight loss. Bupropion HCl and naltrexone HCl. Both medicines have well-established safety profiles and have been prescribed for other conditions for more than 30 years. On average, people lose 5% to 10% of their starting weight, according to clinical trials, and a 56-week study that looked at Contrave combined with healthy habit changes. Individuals who have a history of mental health disorders or who take antidepressants will need to take caution when using this medication and in many cases an alternative would be a better option. Common side effects with Contrave include headaches, nausea, nervousness or anxiety, sweating, and elevated blood pressure.
Qsymia for weight loss
Qsymia contains a combination of phentermine and topiramate in an extended-release capsule. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant similar to an amphetamine. Topiramate is typically used as a seizure medication, also called an anticonvulsant or for migraine prevention. The combination works by decreasing appetite, increasing the amount of energy used by the body, and by affecting certain parts of the brain that control hunger, cravings, and satiety. In clinical trials, the average participants lost was 15 lbs after taking Qsymia for about 3 months. After taking the medication for about 1 year participants lost an average of 24 lbs. With this medication prescautions should also be taken in anyone who has a history of mental health disorders and in those who already take amphetemines or anticonvulsants.
Saxenda for weight loss
Saxenda is part of a medication class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and was the first weight loss medication in this class to be approved and utilized in the US. GLP-1 is a gut hormone that plays an important role in regulating your appetite and how your body handles sugar. GLP-1 agonists, like Saxenda, mimic this hormone’s effects. In particular, Saxenda helps promote weight loss by slowing gastric emptying after meals. This means that food stays in your stomach longer, causing you to feel full. This is a once daily injection medication. Participants in studies showed patients taking saxenda lost 5-20% (average is 5-6%) of their body weight or 12-47 lbs.
Alli for weight loss
Orlistat, the active ingredient in Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in the intestines. For every 2 pounds lost from diet alone, alli can help a person lose 1 pound more. In clinical studies, most people lost 5-10 pounds over 6 months. Individual results may vary. Persons with liver or gallbladder disease should not use Alli. Side effects can include watery or fatty stools, abdominal pain and nausea.
PLENITY for weight loss
Plenity is an FDA-cleared, prescription-only aid for weight management. It is made from naturally derived building blocks—cellulose and citric acid. Taken with water 20 minutes before lunch and dinner, Plenity helps a person feel full, eat less, and lose weight. In a clinical study, nearly 6 out of 10 people who took Plenity lost at least 5% of their body weight. Their average weight loss was 10% (about 22 pounds).
Although there are many medications available for weight loss it takes an in depth consideration of medical history to determine which is right for each person. Anyone considering a medical weight loss program should consult with their local health care provider.