Medications: Can They Help with Your Weight-loss Challenges?
Losing weight can be challenging for many people. Especially frustrating is to lose several pounds and then find later you’ve gained some or all the weight back. It may be time to meet with your doctor to discuss additional options to lose weight and keep it off.
OK- I’ve tried to lose weight for 3 months and have only lost a couple of pounds. What can I do to improve my results?
Your doctor and other care team members may determine that in addition to addressing healthy eating, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes, you may benefit from medications or other treatments (e.g. surgery) to manage your weight.
Most weight loss medications must be prescribed by a health care provider. Although a lower dose of the prescription medication, orlistat is available without a prescription. Other over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements (including those you purchase online) do not have proven safety and effectiveness for weight loss. Always check with your pharmacist before considering one of these products.
What prescription medications may be considered and how do they compare?
Talk with your healthcare provider about potential side effects and other concerns, how they are used, and the cost of the medication. Also tell them if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.
| Medication | How does it work? | How is it used and how often? | How much weight can I expect to lose? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlistat (Xenical®); | By decreasing the absorption of fat from food | By mouth, usually 3 times daily | About 5% |
| Phentermine-topiramate ER (Qsymia®) | Drugs that affect the brain to reduce appetite | By mouth, once daily | About 10% |
| Naltrexone-bupropion SR (Contrave®) | Drugs that affect the brain to reduce appetite | By mouth, twice daily | About 9% |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda®) | Mimic hormones produced in the gut that regulate appetite | By injection, once daily | Range of 5-21% (reported as 8% in a clinical study) |
| Semaglutide (Wegovy®) | Mimic hormones produced in the gut that regulate appetite | By injection, weekly | Range of 5-21% (reported as 14.9% in clinical studies) |
| Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) | Mimic hormones produced in the gut that regulate appetite | By injection, weekly | Range of 5-21% (reported as 20.9% in a clinical study) |
What happens when I reach my targeted weight loss goal?
Managing your weight is an ongoing process. After reaching your weight loss goal, your care team will develop a long-term maintenance and monitoring plan. Successful long-term weight loss includes regular monitoring of your weight and following your diet and exercise plan. Certain medications may be safe to continue for as long is deemed appropriate by your doctor to avoid gaining weight. Talk to your doctor about how long you need to be on your weight loss medication in addition to other parts of your long-term plan.
Summary
Losing excess pounds and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong commitment. Your health care team can assist you in this journey.
Provided by ASHP.
Supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk.