There are many approaches to losing weight. Plans always include a healthy diet and lifestyle changes such as physical activity and smoking cessation. However, there are always new ways and advancements when it comes to weight loss, including medications.

While medications used to treat obesity or promote weight loss have been heard of since the 1800s, they have been gaining popularity recently, especially with a number of known celebrities talking about the newer medications. Several of these medications are available in the US, with some being recently approved in the past five years. Here are the commonly-prescribed medications and their actions:
​
Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a type of prescription weight loss medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist which helps suppress appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a naturally-occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 or GLP-1. One role of GLP-1 is in controlling blood glucose, and semaglutide has been used for diabetes for years before being approved solely for weight loss under the brand Wegovy. Another brand which is more known is Ozempic, which is still prescribed for diabetic patients but has been sometimes used off-label for weight loss.

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Diabetes is usually managed with medications along with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet. Liraglutide is another GLP-1 agonist originally approved for diabetes. Liraglutide has been approved for weight management under the brand name Saxenda. Like semaglutide, liraglutide works by stimulating insulin release and lowering blood glucose, while delaying gastric emptying which helps increase and prolong satiety. Liraglutide is also available as Victoza, which is not approved for weight loss but for diabetes only.

Tirzepatide(Zepbound)

Tirzepatide, under the brand name Zepbound, was approved in 2023 for chronic weight management. Tirzepatide is also known as Mounjaro, which is approved to treat diabetes. Tirzepatide is a medication that acts on both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. It suppresses appetite by slowing down stomach emptying and interacting with areas in the brain responsible for satiety.

Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira, and Suprenza)
Phentermine is one of the oldest medications used for weight loss. It belongs to a class of medications called anorectics or appetite suppressants. It stimulates the central nervous system which decreases your appetite and increases energy use. Phentermine is only approved for short-term use due to limited research on long-term effects. It should also be prescribed in combination with diet and lifestyle changes. Phentermine is a controlled substance because of the risk for dependence.

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)

A master cleanse can be a good way to achieve rapid weight loss by cleansing the body and giving the digestive system a rest. Orlistat works as a sort of cleanse in how it affects digestion. It belongs to a group of medications called lipase inhibitors, and works by reducing the amount of dietary fats absorbed. It is an FDA-approved anti-obesity medication that is used with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program to help people lose weight.

Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)

Contrave is a combination medication that consists of bupropion and naltrexone. Buproprion is an antidepressant that can decrease appetite, while naltrexone is an opioid antagonist which curbs hunger and food cravings. These target areas of the brain connected to cravings and hunger. This medication is available in tablet form.

Topiramate-Phentermine (Qsymia)

Qsymia is combination medication made up of phentermine, a medication similar to amphetamines, and topiramate, an anti-seizure medication. It works in the brain to reduce your appetite. Qsymia is available in extended-release capsule form. If less than 3% weight loss is seen after 3 months, it is recommended the medication be stopped.

These weight loss medications are prescribed by licensed medical providers only after a complete assessment. There are certain criteria to be met before being prescribed the medications, such as a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with obesity-related conditions such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and a failure to lose weight after an amount of time using lifestyle changes only. Prescription also requires an accompanying comprehensive plan for healthy eating and physical activity. These medications are not for everyone, and should only be used under the care of a doctor.

If you find one of these medications on your prescription list in order to achieve your health and wellness goals, know that Acupuncture can be a great addition to your program and will not negatively interact with any of these options! In fact balancing your Qi with Acupuncture can further support your body in achieving this new state of wellbeing, so don’t hesitate to book in today.

Your golden years are meant to be a time filled with relaxation and joy after decades of hard work. Unfortunately, many seniors find this stage of their lives bleak. In fact, the CDC reveals that up to 13.5% of people over the age of 65 experience depressive symptoms. This can manifest in different ways, including irritability, pessimism, fatigue, insomnia, chronic pain, and apathy—all of which can significantly hurt a person’s quality of life. 

Unfortunately, even if a senior can recognize that they need mental health care, it can be hard to give them the right treatment. Many seniors are uncomfortable talking about their emotions and thoughts, which is also why ICA Notes shares that diagnosis alone can be tricky. At the same time, because up to 95% of adults over 60 have at least one chronic condition, prescribing pharmaceutical interventions can be complicated. Thankfully, there are drug-free mental health interventions that can do wonders for you. Here are some of them:

Embrace companionship

According to a study by BMC Public Health, about 50% of all seniors aged 60 are at risk of loneliness. This is mostly because many seniors are empty-nesters, widows, or widowers. Without any regular interactions, humans are likely to feel anxious and detached. Sadly, bonding with others is easier said than done, as seniors may face mobility, financial, or health issues. To remedy this, look to technology. Video calling apps are great mediums to connect remotely. If you’re not sure how to work this, you can ask somebody to schedule these ahead of time, so you literally just have to press a button. If you can afford it, smart assistants like Alexa can do all these for you using voice commands. Alternatively, you may want to look into a robot companionship. Evidence suggests that robot pets can provide comfort and stimulation that can help seniors feel more content and joyful. At the same time, these can act as conversation starters that may lead to new and flourishing friendships with other people. Since robot pets don’t require the same level of care as real furry friends, they’re also more manageable in the long run. 

Invest in your wellness

For some seniors, there is a certain shame associated with self-care. This is likely a generational effect that comes from growing up in a time where pampering yourself was considered a rare treat amid a lot of hard work. In reality, though, there is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself, regardless of age. Holistic wellness practices like acupuncture can even relieve you in various facets of your health, like physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some of acupuncture’s benefits that can specifically aid mental health issues in older adults include regulating sleep and moods. This is because scientists believe that acupuncture can encourage the release of chemicals and hormones (such as endorphins) that can control the circadian rhythm and inhibit stress. For older adults, this can result in more stable emotions and better sleep hygiene, wherein the mind and body can rest and reset. Presently, studies from platforms like Medline and Blue Moon Senior Counseling say that up to 50% of all seniors complain about poor sleep, while up to 1 in 4 suffer from mood disorders.

Find new purpose with others

Finally, plenty of seniors struggle in life because they feel lost. This is understandable, considering many have come from years of working or caring for others. In comparison, retirement can suddenly feel empty. If this feeling is allowed to fester, it can color your time and make it feel meaningless. To prevent these dark thoughts from taking hold, find a new purpose outside of yourself. This is why local senior advocate groups recommend that older adults find volunteer match opportunities. In these, seniors work with non-profit organizations to find the volunteering effort that best suits them. This means they'll account for your own interests, location, lifestyle, and capabilities. If you cannot physically volunteer, there are also online versions, like tutoring and mentoring programs. By volunteering, you’re uplifting not only your life but also the lives of those around you. Interestingly, a recent Reuters post even revealed that seniors who feel like they have a purpose live longer and happier lives. 

Article written by: Lana Preston