Good Pills for Weight Loss

Introduction

The use of pharmaceuticals to treat obesity is gaining popularity. There weren’t many FDA-approved weight-loss drugs prior to 2012. Orlistat, marketed as Xenical and Alli, and phentermine, marketed as Lomaira and Adipex-P, were the most popular drugs at the time.

With names like Wegovy and Ozempic, the introduction of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists) has garnered a lot of media interest. GLP-1 receptor agonist prescriptions and internet searches are increasing simultaneously, per a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine.

Patients may wonder which weight loss prescription drug is the strongest or most successful given the increased variety of weight loss drugs currently on the market. It’s a complex answer. Determining which drug is best for a certain person is not always simple. Additionally, the industry is changing quickly, so it’s critical to stay up to date on the solutions that are accessible as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

What do obesity and overweight mean?

Healthcare providers describe overweight and obesity using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a measurement of your weight in relation to your height.

Overweight people are defined as those with a BMI of 25 to 30. To find out if you are overweight, obese, or severely obese—conditions that may raise your risk of health issues—you can compute your BMI external link. Your weight-related risk can be evaluated by your healthcare provider.

A balanced diet and consistent exercise can help you lose weight and maintain it off in the long run if you are having trouble controlling it. Your healthcare provider may recommend medication as part of your weight-control program if these lifestyle modifications are insufficient to help you lose weight or keep it off.

What are drugs for weight loss?

A few prescription medications for long-term weight loss have been licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Obese patients are advised to use these medications.

These drugs may also be authorized for use by overweight people with associated medical disorders, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. A few of the others are only authorized for use for a few months at a time.

For whom might weight-loss drugs be beneficial?

The purpose of weight management drugs is to assist those who suffer from health issues associated with being overweight or obese. When determining whether you might benefit from weight-management drugs, medical experts use your BMI. If you are an adult who is overweight or obese, your doctor may recommend medication to treat your condition.

A BMI of 30 or higher, a BMI of 27 or higher, and you suffer from weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure external link.

Some people with a high BMI are not candidates for weight-management drugs. A lifestyle program that alters your habits and enhances your food and exercise routines may help you lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Other factors that contribute to weight gain, such as eating triggers and sleep deprivation, may also be addressed by a lifestyle program.

Which prescription medications are available for weight loss?

For those who require assistance in decreasing excess body weight, weight-loss pills offer a practical, needle-free solution. When using one of these drugs, patients might usually lose between 3% and 12% of their body weight.

The following is a summary of FDA-approved prescription-only weight-loss medications. They work best when paired with lifestyle modifications like regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Contrave

The oral drug Contrave contains both bupropion and naltrexone in one dose. Throughout the first month of taking it, you progressively raise the dosage. The majority of people take two tablets in the morning and two in the evening after their bodies adjust to it.

Contrave’s key components combine to lessen your appetite and food cravings. Over 40% of individuals who took Contrave for a year lost at least 5% of their starting body weight, according to preliminary studies. Over 20% experienced at least a 10% reduction in body weight. If you suffer from emotional eating, your doctor might be more likely to prescribe Contrave.

Contrave is now only prescribed as a name-brand drug. There is currently no generic version available. Additionally, children cannot take it because it is only approved for adults.

Qsymia

Qsymia is another combination weight-loss medication that contains both phentermine and topiramate ER. It is an oral capsule taken once a day to help people 12 years of age and up lose weight. Although a generic version has also been approved, it is usually filled as a brand-name product.

The way Qsymia works is by making you less hungry. About 70% of people lost at least 5% of their body weight after a year thanks to Qsymia, according to preliminary studies. Nearly half of the participants saw a weight loss of at least 10%. Additionally, researchers discovered that Qsymia is typically the more effective choice when compared to Contrave.

However, Qsymia is regarded as a prohibited substance because it includes phentermine. If you or a loved one have a history of substance abuse or dependency, this is not the best course of action.

The drug phentermine

The prescription weight-loss drug phentermine (Adipex-P) is available as tablets and capsules. For those 17 years of age and up, it comes in both generic and brand-name forms. However, it has health concerns and is a prohibited substance.

Phentermine is only FDA-approved for use for a maximum of 12 weeks at a time, in contrast to the aforementioned drugs. This is because there were no long-term studies to support its safety when it was licensed in 1959. Additionally, there were worries that it would raise the risk of heart disease. According to some more recent research, it may be used for more than 12 weeks without raising the risk of heart disease. Therefore, based on your risk and benefit, your prescriber might advise taking it for a longer period.

One of the most often recommended drugs for weight loss is phentermine, most likely due to its affordable price. According to data, it can assist individuals in losing between 3% and 5% of their starting body weight.

Although they are administered less frequently, phentermine-like weight-loss medications include benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine. Additionally, they are regulated substances intended for occasional use.

Orlistat

One well-known prescription medication for weight loss is Orlistat (Xenical). Adults can take the oral capsule three times a day with meals. But compared to other weight-loss tablets, it is less popular. Orlistat has some unpleasant side effects and is not recommended for children or teenagers.

On the other hand, orlistat helps your body absorb less fat from food. Additionally, it can lessen the chance of gaining weight again after reducing it. Up to 55% of adults who took Orlistat lost 5% or more of their body weight after a year, according to preliminary research. At least 10% of their body weight was decreased by up to 25%.

Alli is an over-the-counter medication that contains a lower dosage of orlistat. When combined with a low-fat, low-calorie diet, it can help individuals lose weight, although the benefits are not as strong as those of the prescription medication.

Diversity

In theory, plenity is not a drug. Citric acid and cellulose are ingredients in this medical gadget. It was approved by the FDA to be used as a prescription-only medication to help people lose weight. It can be taken by some adults who are deemed overweight or obese.

The purpose of this oral capsule is to assist you in eating less during the day. It helps you feel full by expanding in your stomach and small intestine after you ingest it. It also doesn’t get into your blood. Instead, once it enters your big intestine, it begins to decompose. After six months of treatment, over 60% of Plenity users dropped at least 5% of their body weight, according to early research.

The quantity of tablets you would have to take each day is one drawback of Plenty.

Choosing the right weight-loss tablet is difficult. That’s because it differs from person to person. The ideal weight-loss tablet for you has few or manageable side effects and helps you shed between 5% and 10% of your starting body weight. There are further factors to take into account, like the frequency of drug intake and, of course, the expense.

As a result, different people will respond best to different drugs or combinations of medications. Finding an alternative that suits you and your lifestyle requires having a variety of options.

Clinical study data suggests that Qsymia is probably the best prescription weight-loss medication. It tends to cause the greatest percentage of people to lose the most weight.

The following precautions should be taken when using fat burners:

Before using any form of fat burner capsule, a person should take the right precautions to prevent any negative effects. The following are a few of the safety measures to take: A person should speak with a doctor or dietitian because they are aware of your health and may recommend foods that are best for your body.

A person must carefully study all of the instructions listed on the label of the fat burner capsule packaging. Because it will inform you about the substances, warnings, possible adverse effects, etc. Never take more medication than is advised because this will exacerbate the condition and have negative effects on the person’s general health.

Take the time to read the ingredients listed on the MB fat-burning pills. The capsules may be harsh on your body if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients.

These supplements that burn fat can occasionally raise thermogenesis. That causes a great deal of perspiration. So, when taking these supplements, people need to drink a lot of water.

Consult your doctor right away if you experience any negative effects after taking the medication. Finally, keep these medications out of children’s and pets’ reach.

Who can use medications to lose weight?

In certain situations, your doctor might recommend a medication to help you lose weight. These include the following if diet and exercise have failed to help you lose weight:

• The BMI (body mass index) is more than thirty. This indicates that you have obesity, a disorder characterized by an excess of body fat.
• The BMI exceeds 27. Additionally, you suffer from a severe medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure that is associated with fat.
• Your doctor considers your medical history and current health issues before prescribing a medication. The benefits and drawbacks of prescription weight-loss medications are then discussed with you by your healthcare physician.
• Not everyone is a good fit for these medications. For instance, if you are pregnant, nursing, or attempting to conceive, you should not take prescription weight-loss medications.

How effective are medications for weight loss?

When compared to an inactive treatment that doesn’t utilize medication, known as a placebo, prescription weight-loss medications that you can use for longer than 12 weeks, or long-term use, result in significant weight loss. More weight is lost when weight-loss medication and lifestyle modifications are combined than when lifestyle modifications are made alone.

Compared to lifestyle changes alone, using these medications for a year can result in a 3%–12% reduction in total body weight. It might not seem like much. However, there are significant health advantages to decreasing 5–10% of your body weight and maintaining that loss. For instance, it can reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglycerides, which are blood fats.

Things to be aware of with weight-loss medications

Diarrhea, constipation, and nausea are typical mild side effects. Over time, they might decrease. Serious negative effects are uncommon. Asking your healthcare professional about all of your treatment options is crucial because of this. Additionally, inquire about each drug’s potential advantages and disadvantages.

The cost of weight-loss medications can be high, and insurance may not always cover them. Inquire about your coverage with your insurance provider.

After stopping weight-loss medications, many people regain some of the weight they lost. However, leading a healthy lifestyle could assist prevent weight gain.

How long do weight-loss drugs take to start working?

Each diet pill or weight-loss tablet has its unique timetable. Additionally, each person has a different time frame for seeing effects. However, there are a few broad patterns to be aware of.

This is a brief overview of how long it usually takes for weight-loss medications to begin to work:

• Two weeks of phentermine use
• Orlistat: two weeks
• In contrast, four weeks
• Qsymia: eight weeks

The full effects of these drugs may take considerably longer to manifest. You can get further information about a possible timetable from your prescriber.

How long should I take a medication for weight loss?

Whether or if a medication aids in weight loss determines how long you should take it. Your doctor could advise long-term use of the medication if you have experienced no severe side effects and have reduced enough weight to enhance your health.

Your doctor will likely alter your therapy if, after taking the maximum dosage of a medication for three to six months, you haven’t dropped at least 5% of your body weight. They might change your weight-loss medication.

Which medications are authorized for weight loss?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized six weight-loss medications for long-term use:

• Contrive (bupropion-naltrexone)
• The drug Liraglutide (Saxena)
• Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
• Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate)
• Begody’s semifluid
• The drug McAree (Semblative)
• The majority of prescription weight-loss medications function by increasing feelings of fullness or decreasing hunger. Some people do both. The drug orlistat is an exception. It has an impact on how fat is absorbed by your body.

Naltrexone and bupropion

A combo medication is bupropion-naltrexone. Addiction to both drugs and alcohol is treated without Nolvadex. Bupropion is a medication used as an antidepressant to treat depression and as a quit-smoking aid to help individuals quit smoking.

Bupropion, like all antidepressants, has a suicide risk warning. Blood pressure can be elevated with bupropion-naltrexone. Therefore, at the beginning of treatment, your provider will need to take regular blood pressure readings. Constipation, headaches, and nausea are typical adverse effects.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide is used to treat diabetes as well. It is administered as an injection every day. A common complaint is nausea. Its use may be limited by vomiting.

Orlistat

Additionally, orlistat is available without a prescription in a reduced-strength form (Alli). Some of the negative effects of orlistat include loose stools and flatulence. A low-fat diet must be adhered to when using this medication. Rarely, orlistat has caused severe liver damage in patients. However, scientists have not discovered that the medication damages the liver.

Picramate-phentermine

Memphis-topiramate is the combination of the anticonvulsant topiramate and the weight-loss medication phentermine. Because phentermine functions similarly to amphetamine, a stimulant substance, it has the potential to be abused.

An increase in blood pressure and heart rate, agitation, sleeplessness, and constipation are further potential adverse effects. Topiramate raises the chance of birth abnormalities.

Phentermine alone (Adipic-P, Lemaire) is also used to help people lose weight. It is one of four comparable weight-loss medications that are authorized for short-term usage, defined as less than 12 weeks. Not many prescriptions are written for the other medications in this category.

Similitude

Additionally, similitude is used to assist manage type 2 diabetes. To control obesity, you take it once a week.

It may result in adverse effects like:

• Vomiting and feeling queasy
• Having diarrhea
• Pain in the belly
• A headache
• Fatigue
• Semblative

Only those aged 6 and over who suffer from obesity as a result of one of three uncommon hereditary disorders are eligible for bremelanotide, according to FDA approval:

• Deficiency in pro-opiomelanocortin
• Deficiency of the proprotein subtilisin-nexin type 1
• Lack of leptin receptors

You must have test results indicating that you have one of these conditions to use the medication. None of the genetic issues that lead to these disorders are addressed with semblative. However, it can aid in weight loss. It may decrease hunger and increase feelings of fullness. Additionally, it might aid in calorie burning during rest.

You receive a daily dose of semblative. It may result in adverse effects like:

• Skin that was inflamed or swollen where the needle was inserted
• Darker skin patches
• Feeling queasy
• Having diarrhea
• Pain in the belly
• Unwanted sexual responses
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation

Semblative should never be administered to children less than six. Newborns and infants may respond dangerously to it.

What are the advantages of weight loss using prescription drugs?

Prescription drugs can help some people lose weight and keep it off when paired with behavioral and lifestyle modifications like eating a nutritious diet and exercising more. Adults who take prescription drugs as part of a lifestyle program often lose 3% to 12% more of their initial body weight after a year than those who do not take medication. For kids 12 and older, there is less data available, but ranges seem to be comparable.

According to research, some patients who take prescription weight-loss drugs reduce their initial weight by 10% or more.8, 9 With some drugs, over half of individuals lose 10% or more of their initial weight; however, results vary by prescription and individual.

By reducing blood pressure, lipid, and sugar levels, losing 5–10% of your initial body weight may help you feel better. Other health issues associated with being overweight or obese, like joint pain and sleep apnea, can also be improved by losing weight. The majority of weight reduction occurs over the first six months after beginning the medication.

A thorough description of the Muscle blaze Fat Burner

Weight-loss pills known as fat cutters are very popular as more and more people attempt to lose weight or maintain appropriate fitness levels. These pills are made especially to enhance energy, speed up metabolism, and aid in fat loss. Among the dozens of fat burners on the market, Muscle Blaze is a brand that exudes confidence.

However, Muscle Blaze fat-burning tablets are different from other supplements because they promote a change in perspective on exercise and fat removal.

Muscle Blaze fat cutters do more by employing a multi-directional value to eliminate all causes of overweight and metabolic diseases and produce long-lasting effects, in contrast to traditional weight loss procedures that involve a regular diet or intense exercise.

Muscle Blaze Fat Burner Tablets’ Health Benefits

The fat-burning pills from Muscle Blaze are beneficial to the health of everyone engaging in physical activity. The following are some advantages of burning fat:

• Increased Metabolism: It has been discovered that caffeine, green tea extract, and capsaicin—all of which are frequently contained in female fat burners—increase metabolism, enabling you to burn more calories and, more particularly, belly fat.
• Enhanced Energy Levels: Caffeine and green coffee bean extract are two common chemicals used in popular fat burners to deliver a long-lasting energy boost that can enhance activity levels and workout performance, two things that are essential for reaching fitness objectives.
• Appetite Suppression: The majority of male fat burners contain substances like glucomannan and chromium picolinate that decrease appetite. People are more likely to stick to meal plans and create the caloric deficit required for fat loss if they reduce calories and decrease cravings.
• Increase Lipolysis: L-carnitine and green tea extract encourage the body to use fat stores as its main energy source during exercise, which helps with weight loss.
• Better Mood and Focus: Women’s stimulant-based fat burners can improve mood and focus, two important tools to keep your lifespan tank as full as a weight-loss assault deserves.
• When to Take Fat Burner Capsules: A common query is when it’s appropriate to take a fat burner such as Muscle Blaze. This would rely on a number of variables, including the product’s components, your body’s tolerance to those ingredients, and your fitness objectives. Here are some broad guidelines about when to use belly fat burners.
• As Directed: Always adhere to the dose recommendations and instructions listed on the product label. The ideal time and frequency to use the fat burner will frequently be part of this.
• Before exercise: A lot of fat burners contain substances like caffeine or green tea extract that can speed up metabolism and fat oxidation while also giving you a slight energy boost. It is important to take the greatest fat-burning vitamins before working out.
• Morning Time: To get their metabolism going for the day, some people like to use fat burners in the morning. It can assist boost energy levels and thermogenesis throughout the day if taken in the morning.
• Exercise in the afternoon or evening: Taking a belly fat burner earlier in the day might assist in guaranteeing that you experience the advantages of your workout.
• Avoid Late Evening or Night: It’s usually not a good idea to use fat burner capsules late at night or in the evening because of their stimulating effects. This could disrupt your circadian cycle and interfere with your sleep patterns.
• With Meals or Snacks: To reduce the risk of stomach discomfort or digestive problems, some belly fat burners could be better taken with meals or snacks. Additionally, this can facilitate the absorption of nutrients throughout the day.

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial, particularly if you’re taking these top fat-burning pills that contain stimulants like caffeine that may have diuretic effects.

Prescription injectable medications for weight reduction

A large number of the most popular new weight-loss treatments are injectables. However, a few are already FDA-approved and accessible in the United States:

• Tripeptide, also known as Ze bound, is a form of dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that is administered intravenously once a week. People often shed between 15% and 20% of their starting body weight with its assistance. Additionally, Ze bound seems to produce better weight loss results than Segovia.
• Semifluid, also known as Segovia, is a GLP-1 agonist that is taken once a week. Many Segovia users dropped up to 15% of their starting body weight in clinical trials. Additionally, it can lower the chance of major cardiac issues like a heart attack or stroke.
• Another GLP-1 agonist is Saxenda (liraglutide). However, it is administered once daily as opposed to once weekly like Wegovy. Wegovy seems to produce more weight loss than Saxenda, according to head-to-head research.
• Imcivree (setmelanotide): This injection, which is administered once daily, is solely used to help persons with specific genetic problems lose weight. Compared to other weight-loss drugs, it is less popular.

How can I finally quit taking weight loss medicines once I start?

Drugs for weight loss have helped some people in the short term, but the weight usually comes back. Certain drugs for weight loss are only intended for temporary usage. Some are intended for prolonged use. Discuss the finest kind of medication for you with your healthcare professional.

You can come closer to your target weight with the use of a weight loss medication. However, once you stop taking medication, you still need to make sure you start an exercise regimen and eat healthily to keep that weight.

Future Drugs for Weight Loss

More drugs will undoubtedly hit the market in the upcoming years due to the strong consumer demand for weight loss drugs and the growing prevalence of obesity.

Lilly is working on an oral GLP-1 inhibitor called orforglipron. Another injectable that targets glucagon, GLP-1, and GIP is restitutive. Additionally, Pfizer is creating two pill-formable GLP-1 inhibitors. Instead of using a dual agonist like semaglutide, Amgen is testing a medication candidate that is both a GLP-1 receptor agonist and a GIP receptor antagonist.

For alternative approaches to treating obesity with drugs, researchers are still looking for hormones that influence hunger, such as peptide YY.

In 2021, Robert Kushner, MD, a professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, was interviewed by Endocrine News. He praised “the forward motion that we are going in obesity medication, treating it greater as an endocrine disease, treating it hormonally…”—providing patients and healthcare providers with a variety of options to select the most effective medication.

Another “hot” topic in medication development for a variety of illnesses, including obesity, is monoclonal antibodies. Bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody, is being researched as an infusion to boost muscle mass and reduce fat, for instance.

As they match patients with the meds that will work best for them, doctors will be able to customize treatments more and more as possibilities increase. Enroll in OMA’s Future Advances in Anti-Obesity Medications course to learn more about these novel choices.

Conclusion

Drugs for weight loss are not a simple solution. However, they might assist you in adopting the lifestyle modifications required to reduce weight and enhance your well-being.

Prescription weight-loss medications work best when paired with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Qsymia is the best drug for a lot of people, but it’s not for everyone. Your healthcare provider can assist you in determining the appropriate course of action for your circumstances based on your medical history, personal preferences, and health objectives. Additionally, there are more injectable treatments available if weight-loss pills don’t work, albeit price is a consideration.

FAQs

References

• Pros and cons of weight-loss drugs. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832
• Best Fat Burners Tablets & Capsules online in India | MuscleBlaze. (n.d.). Muscleblaze. https://www.muscleblaze.com/categories/fat-loss/fat-burners?navKey=CL-5764&srsltid=AfmBOorjwu39kI_6HQPW7Ie6Uj5c7xTxrqjMMpYlUwEEpoh1xdQ7pZv_
• Obesity Medicine Association. (2024, January 29). Top weight loss medications. Obesity Medicine Association. https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/weight-loss-medications/
• Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. (2024, December 30). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity#what