Maintainkng a Recharge Discounts and Deals Featured Fat blocker for maintaining weight Find a Provider or Faculty Residency Programs and Fellowships Clinical Studies Career Opportunities Professional Development Clinical Fot. Orlistat Xenical and Fzt Orlistat is Polyphenols and cardiovascular health lipase inhibitor that comes in a capsule and works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fats consumed through food. Have you tried diet and exercise but haven't been able to lose enough weight? A Dietitian Explains. Can Boosting Your Testosterone Help You Lose Fat? It can lessen your appetite and make you feel fuller.

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Contraindications: chronic malabsorption, cholestasis a type of liver disease , pregnancy, renal impairment, and current use of certain prescription medications.

It requires a prescription from a doctor and is sold under the brand Qsymia. How it works: This medication includes phentermine , a central nervous system stimulant and appetite suppressant with similar mechanisms to amphetamine.

It also includes topiramate , an anticonvulsant that helps reduce appetite and enhance satiety feeling full to promote weight loss.

It could also cause increased body temperature, an inability to sweat, and psychiatric or cognitive disturbances. Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with glaucoma eye conditions that can lead to blindness , a history of hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, recent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and current use of certain prescription medications.

This medication, sold under the name Contrave, is an oral medication that combines bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, which is used to manage opioid or alcohol use disorder. A doctor can determine whether Contrave may be a good option for you and then provide a prescription.

Some online services may also prescribe Contrave following a virtual consultation with a healthcare professional.

Over 1 year, participants lost an average of 11—22 lb 5—9 kg. It might also increase heart rate and blood pressure. Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with a history of seizures, end-stage renal disease, pregnancy, and current use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, opioids, or certain other prescription medications.

Setmelanotide, sold as Imcivree, is in a class of medications known as melanocortin 4 MC4 receptor agonists. How it works: People with specific genetic mutations may experience insufficient activation of the MC4 receptor in the brain, which could contribute to obesity.

Setmelanotide works by increasing the activation of this receptor, leading to reduced hunger, decreased calorie intake, and increased metabolism , all of which could promote weight loss. Participants also experienced a significant reduction in hunger with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported.

Another small study in children, adolescents, and adults found that setmelanotide significantly improved quality of life as early as 5 weeks after starting treatment, which could be related to reduced hunger and body weight. Side effects: Some of the most common side effects of setmelanotide include injection site reactions, hyperpigmentation , nausea, headache, diarrhea, and stomach or back pain.

Fatigue, vomiting, and depression have also been reported. Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with renal impairment, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

There are several anorectics, or appetite suppressants , available. However, phentermine Adipex-P or Lomaira is the most commonly prescribed.

Phentermine is taken orally and requires a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional. How it works: These medications reduce appetite by altering levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to weight loss.

Effectiveness: One study in 3, people compared the effectiveness of several medications for obesity and found that people taking phentermine lost the highest percentage of body weight over 12 weeks.

Those taking phentermine lost an average of 8. However, keep in mind that these medications are only recommended for short-term use, as you can build up a tolerance after several weeks, resulting in decreased effectiveness. Side effects: Potential side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Other severe side effects have been reported and require immediate medical attention, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and swelling of the lower extremities.

Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with a history of heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, diabetes, pregnancy, and certain prescription medications.

Most weight loss medications are approved for adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition, such as:. Similarly, setmelanotide Imcivree , is intended to treat obesity caused by certain genetic disorders.

Keep in mind that weight loss medications are not suitable for everyone, including people who are pregnant, those with certain health conditions, or individuals taking specific medications.

A healthcare professional can provide guidance on whether you might be a candidate for a prescription, depending on your personal goals, medical history, and health status.

Contact a trusted healthcare professional, like your OB-GYN, before taking any weight loss medications or supplements. Some digital weight loss platforms, including Ro and Calibrate, include GLP-1 medications in their treatment plans for people who meet certain eligibility criteria.

You can read our comprehensive reviews of Calibrate and Ro Health to learn more. Studies also suggest that people with higher body weights are disproportionately more likely to experience disordered eating and eating disorder symptoms.

These behaviors may indicate a disordered relationship with food or an ED. Disordered eating and EDs can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, race, age, body size, socioeconomic status, or other identities.

They can be caused by any combination of biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors — not just by exposure to diet culture. GLP-1 agonists are currently the most effective anti-obesity medications and are considered safe for long-term use. Currently, only liraglutide Saxenda , semaglutide Wegovy , and tirzepatide Zepbound are approved for weight loss, though some other GLP-1 drugs may be prescribed off-label.

Still, keep in mind that individual results can vary based on many factors, including your diet, health status, and activity level. In addition to maximizing your potential results, it can increase the likelihood of maintaining weight loss in the long term. If considered medically necessary, insurance companies may cover certain prescription weight loss medications.

Some manufacturers also offer savings cards, which can help lower your copay. Ozempic and Wegovy are two different brands of the same drug, semaglutide.

However, there are differences in the recommended dosage and how each is administered. Additionally, Wegovy is FDA approved for weight management.

Saxenda liraglutide , Wegovy semaglutide , and tirzepatide Zepbound are three GLP-1 medications recently approved for weight loss. The only over-the-counter medicine for weight loss currently approved by the FDA is Alli orlistat. Other over-the-counter products are considered supplements.

They are not regulated by the FDA and do not have proper studies to confirm their safety and effectiveness. This relationship can allow for dosage adjustments or alternative medications if one seems like a better fit for the patient.

Many antidepressants are weight-positive cause weight gain , some are weight-neutral, and at least one is weight-negative causes weight loss. Antidepressants are broken down into categories: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs , serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs , tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAO inhibitors , and others.

Medications within each of these categories can cause weight gain. In the SSRI group, Paroxetine shows the highest associated weight gain. Other SSRIs, including Citalopram Celexa , Escitalopram Lexapro , Fluoxetine Prozac , and Sertraline Zoloft , have variable effects on weight, and some do not show weight gain until after six months of use.

Weight-positive medications in the tricyclic antidepressant category include Amitriptyline, Doxepin, and Imipramine. Desipramine, Nortriptyline, and Protriptyline have variable effects on weight. Bupropion Wellbutrin , an aminoketone, is considered weight-negative and is prescribed both to assist in weight loss and to treat depression.

However, people respond to antidepressants differently. Each medicine impacts appetite differently. To learn more, check out our webinar on Optimizing Use of FDA Approved Anti-Obesity Medications. Are you seeking obesity treatment? Click to find an obesity medicine specialist near you who can assist you in finding the best weight loss medications for you.

Family physician and Obesity Medicine physician at Dignity Health Medical Group, Bakersfield, California. Obesity Medicine Director, Mercy Weight Loss Surgery Program, Bakersfield, California.

Top Weight Loss Medications. January 26, Top Weight Loss Medications Share this post. Criteria for Weight Loss Medication Prescriptions Determining whether someone is a candidate for weight loss medications begins with BMI. Currently Available Weight Loss Medications Some weight loss medications have been on the market for many years, and new ones emerge frequently.

Commonly prescribed weight loss medications include: Semaglutide Wegovy, Ozempic Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic is the same medication but is approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide Zepbound, Mounjaro Tirzepatide was previously approved to treat type 2 diabetes as Mounjaro.

Liraglutide Saxenda Liraglutide is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones from the gut that send signals to the brain to make the patient feel full quicker and decrease hunger signals.

Phentermine Adipex, Suprenza Phentermine is the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. Phentermine-topiramate Qsymia Topiramate can be combined with phentermine to decrease appetite and cravings.

Naltrexone-bupropion Contrave Naltrexone-bupropion combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to affect the pleasure-reward areas of the brain and thereby decrease cravings and appetite.

Setmelanotide Imcivree Setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with obesity due to one of several specific rare genetic disorders.

Orlistat Xenical and Alli Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that comes in a capsule and works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fats consumed through food. Hydrogel Plenity A medical device rather than a medication, Plenity was FDA-cleared in for people with a BMI of 24 to Upcoming Weight Loss Medications With fervent consumer demand for weight loss medications, combined with rising obesity rates, more medications are bound for the market in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Medications How effective are weight loss medications? What is the strongest weight loss prescription medication? They listed four first-line options: Semaglutide Liraglutide Phentermine-topiramate extended-release ER Naltrexone-bupropion extended-release ER They also recommended phentermine and diethylpropion.

How do weight loss medications work? Are there medications that can cause weight gain? Some beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers Anti-diabetes medications such as insulins, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and meglitinides Hormone therapies such as glucocorticoids and injectable progestins Anti-seizure medications, including carbamazepine, gabapentin, valproate, and pregabalin A wide variety of different antidepressants Some mood stabilizers Migraine medications such as amitriptyline and paroxetine Some antipsychotics Chemotherapeutic and anti-inflammatory agents How should weight loss medications be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?

How long do weight-loss medications need to be taken? How have options in weight loss medications changed in recent years? How do the different categories of weight loss medications compare in terms of cost? How do they affect weight regain? What are the differences between OTC and prescription weight loss medications?

What is the connection between antidepressant medication and weight loss? Which weight loss medications are known for suppressing appetite? Dzay, Omar, et al.

Online searches for SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists correlate with prescription rates in the United States: An infodemiological study. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since June 4, Obesity Algorithm.

Obesity Medicine Association Park, Alice. More Weight Loss Drugs Are Coming, and They Could Be Even More Effective. Time, June 26, Cairns, Elizabeth. Amgen tries something new in obesity. Evaluate Vantage, December 5, Seaborg, Eric. In a study of 2, people who lost at least 30 pounds and kept them off for over a year, only 4 percent did it with the use of medications.

Another approach is to lose some weight and use medication to help keep the weight off. I compare this phenomenon to a person who is diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on medications to bring it down. As alluded to above, it is likely that these medications will have to be used over the long term.

Judith Stern is a professor of nutrition and internal medicine at UC Davis. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine and a co-founder and vice president of the nonprofit American Obesity Association.

The Food and Drug Administration or FDA treats obesity drugs differently than it does other drugs. There are only two prescription drugs that are FDA-approved for longer-term use for weight loss several others are approved only for short-term use over a few months.

Both of the longer-term drugs are only recommended for people who are significantly obese. Sibutramine trade name Meridia increases metabolism and affects serotonin and other neurotransmitters. People report they feel full and more energetic.

Because it can increase blood pressure, it must not be used in people with hypertension, and blood pressure must be regularly monitored while using the medication.

People with heart disease, stroke and heart rhythm disturbances must also avoid the medication, and it must not be used in combination with decongestants, bronchodilators used for asthma or MAO inhibitors medications used against depression. It is not particularly effective in the long run.

The FDA has found undeclared and unapproved sibutramine in some specific dietary supplements, which has prompted voluntary recalls. Orlistat trade name Xenical has helped people to achieve only mild weight loss in studies.

It blocks the action of lipase, an enzyme in the intestine that breaks down fat. As a result, 30 percent of fat eaten is not absorbed and is excreted in the stool. It sometimes causes gastrointestinal problems, including a lot of gas, an oily discharge and a frequent need to have bowel movements.

The FDA also approved this drug at a lower dose for over-the-counter use by adults under the trade name Alli. It was the first and only over-the-counter diet drug to win approval from the agency. There are numerous weight-loss remedies available over the counter.

But let the buyer beware! I recommend that if you try any of these alternatives, you do so carefully. Many of them can have profound effects on your health in ways you might not predict.

Here are some common — or once-common — over-the-counter dietary aids, including some that are now restricted:. Phenylpropanolamine or PPA, once also an active ingredient in decongestants.

It has a mild appetite-suppressing effect that usually does not work for long. It should never be used with other decongestants and may cause elevated blood pressure and increase the risk for stroke.

Tor Fat blocker for maintaining weight weihht interest in Oral hypoglycemic drugs pharmacological treatment of obesity. Beforethere Recharge Discounts and Deals few weight loss medications approved maintainung the Fat blocker for maintaining weight. Bblocker top medications at that time were phentermine, marketed as Lomaira and Adipex-P, and orlistat, marketed as Xenical and Alli. The advent of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists GLP-1 receptor agonistswith brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic, has attracted explosive media attention. According to a study published in in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicineonline searches and prescriptions for GLP-1 receptor agonists are rising in tandem. With a wider selection of weight loss medications now available, patients may ask what the strongest or most effective weight loss prescription medication is. The answer is complicated. Blovker include products Fat blocker for maintaining weight think are useful for our readers. If you buy maintakning links on Recharge Discounts and Deals page, we may earn a small commission. Healthline weght Recharge Discounts and Deals weihgt brands Boost insulin sensitivity naturally products that we stand behind. Prescription weight loss medications, including GLP-1 agonists, orlistat, and setmelanotide, may be effective for some people. But other lifestyle changes are still necessary for long-term success. When paired with other lifestyle changes and taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional, these drugs may offer an effective way to lower your weight. We reviewed all of the weight loss medications that are currently available, including how they work, who they might be appropriate for, research on their effectiveness, and potential safety concerns.