FDA-approved weight loss medications
Xenical/Alli (Orlistat)
- Mechanism: Inhibits fat absorption in the digestive system.
- How it works: Reduces the absorption of dietary fats, leading to calorie reduction.
- Common side effects: Oily stools, flatulence, abdominal discomfort.
- Effectiveness: A 2011 study published with 80 people with obesity losing 10.3 pounds (4.65 kg) after 6 months after taking Orlistat [2].
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
- Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- How it works: Suppresses appetite and promotes weight loss [3].
- Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Effectiveness: A small study found that people taking liraglutide lost an average of 17.2 pounds (7.8 kg) throughout 6 months [4].
Rybelsus (Semaglutide)
- Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist (similar to Saxenda).
- How it works: Reduces appetite and aids weight loss.
- Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting.
- Effectiveness: A study performed with 709 participants looked at patients taking oral semaglutide 50mg vs placebo. The estimated body weight change from baseline to week 68 with 50mg of semaglutide was 15.1% [5]
Contrave (Bupropion-naltrexone)
- Mechanism: Combination drugs affecting brain pathways.
- How it works: Suppresses appetite and reduces food cravings.
- Common side effects: Nausea, headache, insomnia.
- Effectiveness: A review of 4 studies reported that naltrexone/bupropion, when compared with a placebo resulted in a significant weight loss of up to 22 pounds (9 kg) [6].
Qsymia (Phentermine/topiramate)
- Mechanism: Combination of an appetite suppressant and an antiepileptic drug.
- How it works: Reduces hunger and increases calorie expenditure.
- Common side effects: Dry mouth, insomnia, increased heart rate.
- Effectiveness: One research review reported that phentermine/topiramate caused an average of 17 pounds of weight loss [7].
Imcivree (Setmelanotide)
- Mechanism: Targets specific genetic pathways.
- How it works: Used for rare genetic conditions causing extreme obesity.
- Common side effects: Not widely reported.
- Effectiveness: In a study with 21 people taking setmelanotide found that around 62% of the people achieved at least 10% weight loss in 1 year [8].
Are there age restrictions or considerations when using weight loss medications?
Age Restrictions
- Minimum Age: Most weight loss medications are not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.
- Maximum Age: There is no strict upper age limit, but older adults should consult a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss regimen.
Safety and Efficacy
- Adolescents: Adolescents (ages 12-17) should avoid weight loss medications unless specifically recommended by a doctor. Their bodies are still developing, and safety data for this age group are limited.
- Elderly: Older adults may have different health conditions and medication interactions. It’s crucial to consider their overall health and individual needs.
Health Conditions
- Weight loss medications may interact with existing health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure).
- Some medications are contraindicated for certain age groups
Can pregnant or breastfeeding individuals use weight loss medications safely?
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it’s essential to focus on overall health and proper nutrition for both the mother and the developing baby. Weight loss medications may not be safe during pregnancy because:
- Weight gain is expected and necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
- Rapid weight loss could negatively impact fetal development.
- Some weight loss medications contain ingredients that may not be suitable during pregnancy.
Phentermine, a common weight loss medication, is not approved for use during pregnancy. Limited research exists on its effects during pregnancy, but it’s generally not recommended. If you took phentermine before pregnancy, it should not affect your ability to carry a healthy baby to term. However, always consult your doctor when taking medications, which is what we would strongly advise.
Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding, it’s crucial to maintain an adequate milk supply and provide essential nutrients to the baby. Weight loss supplements are not advisable during breastfeeding because:
- They can accelerate weight loss, potentially affecting milk supply.
- Ingredients may pass into breast milk and impact the baby.
Breastfeeding itself burns calories (500 to 700 per day), aiding postpartum weight loss. Focus on a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest while breastfeeding. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or medications while breastfeeding
What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter weight loss medications?
Let’s explore the key differences between prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss medications:
Prescription Weight Loss medications
- Obtained through a Doctor: Prescription weight loss medications are medications that you can only get through a doctor’s prescription.
- FDA-Approved: Some of these drugs are FDA-approved, meaning they have undergone rigorous safety and efficacy evaluations.
- Proven Safety and Effectiveness: Prescription weight loss medications are generally considered safe and effective when used as directed.
- Specific Mechanisms: These medications often target appetite suppression, fat metabolism, or fat absorption inhibition.
- Examples: Drugs like phentermine, orlistat (Alli), and newer options like GLP-1 agonists fall into this category.
Over-the-counter (OTC) Weight Loss medications
- No Prescription Required: OTC weight loss medications can be purchased without a prescription from vitamin shops, drugstores, and online retailers.
- Herbal Supplements Included: OTC options also include herbal supplements, which have little to no side effects.
- FDA Approval Varies: Unlike prescription drugs, OTC medications do not always require FDA approval.
- Safety and Effectiveness: Many OTC weight loss products lack proven safety and effectiveness.
- Goals: Both prescription and OTC medications aim to reduce appetite, enhance fat burning, or inhibit fat absorption.
- Caution: Some OTC products may contain hidden ingredients not listed on labels, which can be risky
Weight Loss Medications Near Me
My Concierge MD offers the best weight loss medications near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.
References:
- Birk S, Martin Bæk Blond, Rasmus Michael Sandsdal, et al. Healthy weight loss maintenance with exercise, GLP-1 receptor agonist, or both combined followed by one year without treatment: a post-treatment analysis of a randomised placebo-controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine. Published online February 1, 2024:102475-102475. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102475
- Jain SS, Ramanand SJ, Ramanand JB, Akat PB, Patwardhan MH, Joshi SR. Evaluation of efficacy and safety of orlistat in obese patients. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011;15(2):99-104. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.81938
- Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. [Updated 2023 Jan 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
- Park JS, Kwon J, Choi HJ, Lee C. Clinical effectiveness of liraglutide on weight loss in South Koreans: First real-world retrospective data on Saxenda in Asia. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Jan 15;100(2):e23780. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000023780. PMID: 33466127; PMCID: PMC7808520.
- Knop FK, Aroda VR, Ruben, et al. Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet. 2023;402(10403):705-719. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01185-6
- Apovian CM. Naltrexone/bupropion for the treatment of obesity and obesity with Type 2 diabetes. Future Cardiol. 2016 Mar;12(2):129-38. doi: 10.2217/fca.15.79. Epub 2015 Dec 18. PMID: 26679384.
- Lei XG, Ruan JQ, Lai C, Sun Z, Yang X. Efficacy and Safety of Phentermine/Topiramate in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2021 Jun;29(6):985-994. doi: 10.1002/oby.23152. Epub 2021 Apr 16. PMID: 33864346.
- Clément K, van den Akker E, Argente J, Bahm A, Chung WK, Connors H, De Waele K, Farooqi IS, Gonneau-Lejeune J, Gordon G, Kohlsdorf K, Poitou C, Puder L, Swain J, Stewart M, Yuan G, Wabitsch M, Kühnen P; Setmelanotide POMC and LEPR Phase 3 Trial Investigators. Efficacy and safety of setmelanotide, an MC4R agonist, in individuals with severe obesity due to LEPR or POMC deficiency: single-arm, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 trials. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2020 Dec;8(12):960-970. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30364-8. Epub 2020 Oct 30. PMID: 33137293.