Common Weight Loss Medications And Their Uses

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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:
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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.

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