Medical Review by Heidi MD
Summary:
- Prescription weight loss medications include appetite suppressants like phentermine, fat absorption inhibitors like orlistat, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy® and Ozempic®, combination medications like Qsymia®, and medications for underlying conditions like metformin.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy® and Ozempic® mimic natural hormones to suppress your appetite, enhance fullness, and support blood sugar regulation. They can provide meaningful treatment for obesity in clinically indicated cases.
- Traditional options like phentermine and orlistat can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, constipation, or bowel habit changes. These can make them unsuitable for certain individuals or conditions.
- Healthcare providers can help you use weight loss medications safely and effectively by evaluating your individual needs, monitoring your side effects, and adjusting your dosage if necessary.
- Combining medications like GLP-1s with lifestyle changes—diet, exercise, and behavioral improvements—maximizes effectiveness and promotes sustainable health outcomes.
Here’s what you should know when considering prescription medication to help you lose weight
Losing weight can be a challenge, but the right medication can help. If you’re interested in exploring this type of support for your weight loss journey, it’s important to understand how different kinds of prescription medication work and which ones might be appropriate for you.
Lemonaid Health’s network of healthcare practitioners is here to help. Below, we walk you through the different types of prescription weight loss medications that are currently available, so that you can have an informed conversation with your care provider and create a weight loss plan that works for you.
What are the different types of prescription weight loss medications?
There are several types of prescription weight loss medications available, with each targeting weight loss in a different way. These medication types include:
- Appetite suppressants: These reduce hunger by affecting the brain signals that regulate the appetite. Examples include phentermine and phendimetrazine.
- Fat absorption inhibitors: These block the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines. Orlistat is one popular example.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists: These mimic a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Examples include semaglutide medications like Wegovy® and Ozempic®.
- Combination medications: These combine an appetite suppressant with other compounds to enhance their overall effectiveness. Examples are phentermine-topiramate ER (Qsymia®) and naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®).
- Medications for underlying conditions: These help manage weight indirectly by addressing underlying metabolic conditions. One example is metformin (for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance).
Remember: Each medication has specific indications, potential side effects, and considerations—so consultation with your healthcare provider is essential before starting any prescription weight loss medication.
The rise of GLP-1 medications
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have emerged as a groundbreaking development in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders, reshaping how we approach weight management and overall health.
Appetite-regulating hormones play a crucial role in managing our food intake. The brain receives signals from various parts of the body, including those from appetite-regulating hormones. These hormones create hunger cues and also notify the hypothalamus when it’s time to stop eating, regulating caloric intake.
Wegovy® works as an appetite suppressant by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. This intestinal hormone is released after eating and typically makes people feel fuller.
Much like Wegovy®, Ozempic®️️is an injectable medication that mimics the hormone GLP-1, which is released from the digestive tract. This helps to lower blood sugar, while also promoting a feeling of fullness.
When you take GLP-1 medications, your body makes more GLP-1, which naturally decreases your appetite and makes you feel fuller. These medications change how your body responds to weight loss and can ultimately affect how your body responds to food.
Other medications & their limitations
Other medications have limitations when it comes to side effects, contraindications, or drug interactions. Understanding these can help you and your healthcare provider work together to make informed choices about which medications may be appropriate for your needs.
For example, phentermine is a commonly prescribed appetite suppressant used for short-term weight loss, often alongside diet, exercise, and behavior changes. It is generally prescribed for individuals with obesity who haven’t achieved sufficient results with lifestyle changes alone.
As common side effects include increased heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, and constipation, phentermine is not a good choice for weight loss in individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, or glaucoma. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant should also avoid taking phentermine.
Phentermine is also classified as a Schedule IV drug, though misuse potential is low.
While orlistat may be used with patients who have high blood pressure, the main side effect is changes to bowel movement habits. Side effects can include:
- Gas with oily spotting
- Loose stools
- Oily or fatty stools
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements
- Stomach pain
These side effects can be serious and may continue as long as you keep using orlistat.
Why medical oversight matters when it comes to weight loss medication
As with any medication, there are certain risks and side effects to consider. That is why you will need to consult your doctor to get a prescription for any weight loss medication. You will also need to work closely with them during your treatment to ensure that any medication you take is safe and effective for you.
Your doctor can:
- Evaluate your suitability: Assess your medical history, current conditions, and overall health to determine if these medications are right for you.
- Check for interactions: Identify potential interactions with other medications or supplements you’re taking.
- Set the right dosage: Establish an appropriate starting dose and adjust it gradually to minimize side effects and maximize effectiveness.
- Monitor side effects: Help manage potential side effects, such as nausea, digestive issues, or changes in blood sugar, and adjust treatment as needed.
- Discuss risks: Address any underlying conditions or family medical history, such as heart disease, kidney issues, or thyroid cancer, that could affect the safety of these medications.
With your doctor’s guidance, you can use Wegovy® or Ozempic® safely and confidently as part of a personalized health plan designed to help you get back to feeling your best.
Related: What makes medical weight loss different from traditional diets?
The role of comprehensive care
It’s best to think of weight loss medications as an additional tool in your kit to help you on your journey. While they may be effective to some extent on their own, GLP-1 medications may be more impactful when paired with the following lifestyle changes:
- Dietary improvements: GLP-1 medications reduce your appetite and increase feelings of fullness. This can make it easier to stick to healthier eating habits.
- Regular exercise: Exercise complements GLP-1 medications by improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing weight loss, and boosting metabolism.
- Professional support: Health and well-being coaching has been shown to support the use of GLP-1 medications by using tools like goal-setting and mindfulness to encourage them to continue treatment.
Pursue sustainable weight loss with support from Lemonaid Health
There are many different types of prescription medication that can play a role in helping you lose weight—including GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy® and Ozempic®. But working with a qualified healthcare provider is an essential first step towards finding a medication that meets your specific needs.
Consulting with Lemonaid Health can make it easier to create a holistic strategy for sustainable and effective weight management, which may include appropriate medication in clinically indicated cases. Get started today to find the support you need to achieve your weight loss targets.
Wegovy® and Ozempic® are all registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Qsymia® is a registered trademark of VIVUS, Inc. Contrave® is a registered trademark of Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC.
