Weight Loss Medications

Are Weight Loss Medications Safe?

While weight loss medications can be effective, they may have side effects such as jitteriness, digestive discomfort, and increased heart rate. At My Concierge MD, we prioritize your safety by using only FDA-approved medications and closely monitoring your progress.

Should I Ask My Doctor For Weight Loss Medication?

Consult a healthcare professional to avoid risks associated with untested over-the-counter supplements or medications that may interfere with existing health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Potential Medication Interactions

Weight loss medications may interact with other treatments, so discussing your current medications with your doctor is crucial. Potential interactions include:

• Antidepressants: Some medications may impact serotonin levels.
• Blood Pressure Medications: Stimulants in weight loss drugs may affect blood pressure.
• Diabetes Medications: Weight loss drugs can influence blood sugar control.

Weight Loss Medications and Exercise: A Powerful Combination

Exercise plays a crucial role in weight loss.

When combined with weight loss medications, exercise can enhance results, helping maintain muscle mass and preventing unhealthy weight regain.

Physical activity also boosts metabolism, supports cardiovascular health and improves mental well-being. A long-term study found that individuals who exercised while taking weight loss drugs sustained better weight loss outcomes.

The benefits of Exercise Include

• Increased Metabolism: Burn more calories even at rest.
• Enhanced Lean Body Mass: Build muscle, which improves calorie expenditure.
• Health Improvements: Lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as risks for conditions like cancer.

FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications

Injectable Weight Loss Medication​

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

• Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite.
• Effectiveness: Promotes weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.

Imcivree (Setmelanotide)

• Mechanism: Targets rare genetic obesity conditions with substantial effects.

Oral Weight Loss Medication

Xenical/Alli (Orlistat)

• Mechanism: Inhibits fat absorption, leading to calorie reduction.
• Effectiveness: Studies show it aids in moderate weight loss.

Rybelsus (Semaglutide)

• Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to Saxenda.
• Effectiveness: Studies indicate a significant reduction in body weight.

Contrave (Bupropion-naltrexone)

• Mechanism: Combines an antidepressant and an opioid antagonist to control hunger and cravings.

Qsymia (Phentermine/topiramate)

• Mechanism: Appetite suppressant and anti-epileptic combination to reduce hunger and increase energy expenditure.

Age Restrictions and Safety Considerations

Weight loss medications are generally suitable for adults 18 and older. Adolescents or individuals over a certain age should consult a healthcare professional to ensure safe use, as some health conditions may affect eligibility.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Weight loss medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as they may impact the baby’s health or milk supply. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for safe alternatives during these periods.

How to Get Weight Loss Medication?

Getting started with weight loss medication is simple at My Concierge MD.

First, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physicians in person or virtually. During this appointment, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your weight loss goals, and conduct any necessary lab tests to determine your best course of action.

Based on this assessment, we’ll prescribe an FDA-approved weight loss medication tailored to your needs.

For added convenience, your medication can be delivered directly to your door, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Weight Loss Medications

Understanding the difference between prescription and OTC weight loss medications can help you make an informed choice:

• Prescription Medications: These are available only through a doctor’s prescription and are FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness.
• OTC Medications: Weight loss medication over the counter​ is often less effective and not always FDA-approved; these medications can include hidden ingredients and may carry safety risks.

Ready to Achieve Medical Weight Loss?

At My Concierge MD, we provide expert guidance and personalized care to help you find the best medication for your unique needs. Our team is here if you’re in Los Angeles and looking for a safe, effective way to lose weight.

Call us at 1-877-760-3570 or book an appointment online to begin your journey to a healthier, happier life.

References

Cohen, J. B., & Gadde, K. M. (2019). Weight loss medications in the treatment of obesity and hypertension. Current hypertension reports, 21, 1-9.

Stanford, F. C., Alfaris, N., Gomez, G., Ricks, E. T., Shukla, A. P., Corey, K. E., … & Aronne, L. J. (2017). The utility of weight loss medications after bariatric surgery for weight regain or inadequate weight loss: a multi-center study. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 13(3), 491-500.

Dong, Z., Xu, L., Liu, H., Lv, Y., Zheng, Q., & Li, L. (2017). Comparative efficacy of five long‐term weight loss drugs: quantitative information for medication guidelines. Obesity Reviews, 18(12), 1377-1385.

Edgerton, C., Mehta, M., Mou, D., Dey, T., Khaodhiar, L., & Tavakkoli, A. (2021). Patterns of weight loss medication utilization and outcomes following bariatric surgery. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 25(2), 369-377.