Weight loss medications, along with proper exercise and diets, do wonders, according to a study. But are weight loss medications dangerous? However, in research-based results, some of the FDA-approved weight loss medications showed significant results and were actually used by patients. So, we will discuss this more in detail, which help you understand the importance of weight loss medications for a successful weight loss journey.
Want to know more about the medications or want us to recommend an effective weight loss medication that’s sustainable, then visit us at My Concierge MD.
How do weight loss medications work?
Appetite Suppression: Some weight loss medications contain ingredients that help reduce appetite. These substances can make you feel full, leading to reduced food intake. Examples include glucomannan, a type of dietary fiber, and 5-HTP, which affects serotonin levels.
Metabolism Boost: Certain ingredients aim to increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories. Caffeine is a common one—it stimulates the central nervous system and enhances thermogenesis (heat production) in the body.
Fat Blocking: Some medications contain compounds that inhibit the absorption of dietary fat. Chitosan, derived from shellfish, binds to fat molecules in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption.
Fat Oxidation: Ingredients like green tea extract and raspberry ketones are believed to enhance fat oxidation. They may help break down stored fat for energy.
Energy Boost: Weight loss medications often include stimulants like caffeine or bitter orange extract. These boost energy levels, potentially increasing physical activity and calorie expenditure.
Thermogenesis: Certain ingredients raise body temperature, leading to increased calorie burning. Capsaicin from chili peppers is an example.
Water Loss: Some medications cause temporary water loss, leading to a decrease in weight. However, this loss is not fat loss and can be dangerous if not managed properly.
Are weight loss medications dangerous?
Weight loss medications can cause side effects such as jitteriness, increased heart rate, digestive issues, and more. Not all weight loss medications are rigorously tested or even FDA-approved. Some over-the-counter medications may even contain unlisted or harmful ingredients. If you have health conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure, you should steer clear from taking any weight loss medications.
It is important to be aware that such medications may interact with other medications. Here are a few possible examples:
Antidepressants: Some weight loss medications may interact with antidepressants, affecting serotonin levels.
Blood Pressure Medications: Stimulants in weight loss medications (like caffeine) can impact blood pressure.
Diabetes Medications: Weight loss drugs may affect blood sugar levels.
Anticoagulants: Certain weight loss ingredients can interfere with blood clotting.
Thyroid Medications: Some medications may alter thyroid hormone levels.
Combining Exercise and Weight Loss medications
Exercise plays a crucial role in weight loss and overall health. Let’s explore how exercise and weight loss medications can work together effectively:
Weight Loss medications
New weight-loss drugs, such as GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda), can be effective in helping people lose weight. These drugs suppress appetite and reduce food cravings, leading to substantial weight loss.
However, many users eventually quit these medications due to factors like cost, side effects, or other reasons. After discontinuation, weight often creeps back, primarily as fat, leaving individuals metabolically less healthy than before.
Exercise as a Solution
A long-term study found that people who exercised while using weight-loss drugs were better at maintaining their weight after quitting the medication [1]. Exercise helped them preserve more muscle mass and avoid unhealthy weight regain. Regular physical activity contributes to overall well-being, confidence, and mental health.
Benefits of Exercise
Increased Metabolism: Exercise boosts metabolism, increasing the number of calories burned daily.
Lean Body Mass: It helps maintain and increase lean body mass, which further enhances calorie expenditure.
Health Benefits: Exercise lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and the risk of certain cancers (e.g., colon, breast).
Mental Well-Being: Regular exercise may reduce anxiety and depression rates.
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Follow Ups every 3 months there after $250 plus cost of medication.
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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]
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.
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Specialist in Concierge Medicine & Executive Health. Dr. Nazarian practices Integrative Medicine with focus on preventative medicine, anti-aging, hormone replacement therapy and IV Vitamin optimizations. Dr. David Nazarian, received his bachelor of sciences from the University of Los Angeles, California in Psychology and Biology. He obtained his Medical Doctorate degree from Sackler School of Medicine. He completed his medical residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, a University of Southern California affiliate hospital. Once completed, he established a practice in the heart of Beverly Hills. Dr. Nazarian is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has received numerous awards and recognition as a top doctor in his field.
