Common Medications
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The prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased dramatically in the last couple of decades, up from 30% in 1999 to 42% in 2018. Obesity is related to several serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Two factors that play a critical role in controlling obesity are diet and exercise. Together, they play a central role in helping you maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for good health. If you are above a healthy weight range, dietary modifications can help you lose weight. However, many fad diets that promise quick, permanent weight loss don’t work and may even be dangerous.
One diet that has scientifically proven benefits is the Mediterranean diet, consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and lean proteins like fish and poultry, along with limited consumption of red meat and wine. The other healthy way to lose weight is through exercise. Physical activity increases the number of calories the body burns. When you combine this with reduced calorie consumption, it creates a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss.
For most people, diet and exercise are sufficient to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. But some individuals are unable to lose enough weight with diet and exercise and have serious health problems because of their weight. In such people, a weight loss medication can be an option. It is worth noting that weight loss drugs should be used in addition to diet and exercise and not as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
Candidates for Weight Loss Drugs
Doctors may consider prescribing weight loss medications to people who are obese based on their BMI (body mass index). You may qualify for treatment with weight loss medications if you have tried diet and exercise and your BMI is over 30. The medications may also be recommended to people with a BMI over 27 who have serious medical problems related to their weight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Medications for Weight Loss
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four weight-loss drugs for long-term use. The use of these medications, combined with diet and exercise, can lead to a weight loss of up to 7% more than what can be achieved with lifestyle changes alone. While this may seem like a modest improvement, a sustained weight reduction of 5-10% has been found to have significant health benefits in terms of lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Orlistat (Xenical) is a weight loss drug that works by inhibiting the action of some gastric and pancreatic enzymes that play an important role in digesting dietary fat. It is available as an oral capsule. The recommended dose is one capsule three times a day during or within an hour of a fat-containing meal. If you miss a meal, you can skip the dose of orlistat.
Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates insulin secretion leading to a reduction in blood glucose levels. It also suppresses appetite and delays stomach emptying, which promotes a feeling of satiety, thereby leading to weight loss. Saxenda is prescription medicine available as an injectable pen.
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) is a combination of medications that are typically used in people with opioid or alcohol dependence. The mechanism by which this combination induces weight loss is not completely understood. It is available as a tablet that is taken 1-2 times daily with meals.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) is a combination of an anorectic (phentermine) that decreases appetite and an anticonvulsant (topiramate) that decreases appetite and causes feelings of satiety to last longer. The medication is available as an extended-release capsule to be taken by mouth once daily in the morning.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Weight Loss
Alli is the only FDA-approved OTC weight loss drug. It is a reduced-strength form of orlistat that is available without a prescription. There are dozens of other OTC weight loss formulations available that contain various combinations of herbs and supplements. It is important to remember that these OTC weight loss pills are not regulated by the FDA and their safety and efficacy is not proven. It is, therefore, advisable to talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new weight loss supplement.
Common Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications
The most common side effect of orlistat is steatorrhea (excess fat in the feces). Other side effects can include diarrhea, stomachache, fecal spotting, and anal fissure development. The side effects of orlistat decrease with ongoing treatment. Also, the adverse effects can be minimized by eating a low-fat diet in which no more than 30% of the calories are from fats.
Liraglutide can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Other potential side effects include low blood sugar, dizziness, fatigue, and stomachache.
The most commonly reported adverse effects of naltrexone/bupropion are nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Potential side effects of phentermine/topiramate include headache, dizziness, numbness, tingling, burning sensations in the hands, feet, and face, tiredness, excessive thirst, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, muscle aches, hair loss, painful or frequent urination, and difficulty concentrating or paying attention.
Common Questions
If I take a weight loss medication, can I eat whatever I want?
No, weight loss medications are not meant to be a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise program. These drugs work best when you follow a low-fat diet combined with other healthy lifestyle choices like regular physical activity. It is also worth remembering that weight loss drugs can cause serious side effects if used indiscriminately without medical supervision.
How long will I have to take prescription weight loss drugs?
It depends on the type of medication you are taking and how effective it is. If you are losing enough weight to improve your health and don’t have serious side effects, your doctor may recommend continuing the weight loss medication indefinitely. On the other hand, if you haven’t lost at least 5% of your body weight after 6 months of treatment, your doctor may put you on a different medication.
Can I get a discount on weight loss drugs with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including weight loss medications—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/diet-and-weight-loss
2. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html#
3. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54220
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5358074/
7. https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/side-effects.html
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138366/
9. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612037.html
Common Diet and Weight Loss Health Medications
Diet and Weight Loss
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter diet and weight loss drugs.
The prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased dramatically in the last couple of decades, up from 30% in 1999 to 42% in 2018. Obesity is related to several serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Two factors that play a critical role in controlling obesity are diet and exercise. Together, they play a central role in helping you maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for good health. If you are above a healthy weight range, dietary modifications can help you lose weight. However, many fad diets that promise quick, permanent weight loss don’t work and may even be dangerous.
One diet that has scientifically proven benefits is the Mediterranean diet, consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and lean proteins like fish and poultry, along with limited consumption of red meat and wine. The other healthy way to lose weight is through exercise. Physical activity increases the number of calories the body burns. When you combine this with reduced calorie consumption, it creates a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss.
For most people, diet and exercise are sufficient to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. But some individuals are unable to lose enough weight with diet and exercise and have serious health problems because of their weight. In such people, a weight loss medication can be an option. It is worth noting that weight loss drugs should be used in addition to diet and exercise and not as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
Candidates for Weight Loss Drugs
Doctors may consider prescribing weight loss medications to people who are obese based on their BMI (body mass index). You may qualify for treatment with weight loss medications if you have tried diet and exercise and your BMI is over 30. The medications may also be recommended to people with a BMI over 27 who have serious medical problems related to their weight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Medications for Weight Loss
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four weight-loss drugs for long-term use. The use of these medications, combined with diet and exercise, can lead to a weight loss of up to 7% more than what can be achieved with lifestyle changes alone. While this may seem like a modest improvement, a sustained weight reduction of 5-10% has been found to have significant health benefits in terms of lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Orlistat (Xenical) is a weight loss drug that works by inhibiting the action of some gastric and pancreatic enzymes that play an important role in digesting dietary fat. It is available as an oral capsule. The recommended dose is one capsule three times a day during or within an hour of a fat-containing meal. If you miss a meal, you can skip the dose of orlistat.
Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates insulin secretion leading to a reduction in blood glucose levels. It also suppresses appetite and delays stomach emptying, which promotes a feeling of satiety, thereby leading to weight loss. Saxenda is prescription medicine available as an injectable pen.
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) is a combination of medications that are typically used in people with opioid or alcohol dependence. The mechanism by which this combination induces weight loss is not completely understood. It is available as a tablet that is taken 1-2 times daily with meals.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) is a combination of an anorectic (phentermine) that decreases appetite and an anticonvulsant (topiramate) that decreases appetite and causes feelings of satiety to last longer. The medication is available as an extended-release capsule to be taken by mouth once daily in the morning.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Weight Loss
Alli is the only FDA-approved OTC weight loss drug. It is a reduced-strength form of orlistat that is available without a prescription. There are dozens of other OTC weight loss formulations available that contain various combinations of herbs and supplements. It is important to remember that these OTC weight loss pills are not regulated by the FDA and their safety and efficacy is not proven. It is, therefore, advisable to talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new weight loss supplement.
Common Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications
The most common side effect of orlistat is steatorrhea (excess fat in the feces). Other side effects can include diarrhea, stomachache, fecal spotting, and anal fissure development. The side effects of orlistat decrease with ongoing treatment. Also, the adverse effects can be minimized by eating a low-fat diet in which no more than 30% of the calories are from fats.
Liraglutide can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Other potential side effects include low blood sugar, dizziness, fatigue, and stomachache.
The most commonly reported adverse effects of naltrexone/bupropion are nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Potential side effects of phentermine/topiramate include headache, dizziness, numbness, tingling, burning sensations in the hands, feet, and face, tiredness, excessive thirst, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, muscle aches, hair loss, painful or frequent urination, and difficulty concentrating or paying attention.
Common Questions
If I take a weight loss medication, can I eat whatever I want?
No, weight loss medications are not meant to be a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise program. These drugs work best when you follow a low-fat diet combined with other healthy lifestyle choices like regular physical activity. It is also worth remembering that weight loss drugs can cause serious side effects if used indiscriminately without medical supervision.
How long will I have to take prescription weight loss drugs?
It depends on the type of medication you are taking and how effective it is. If you are losing enough weight to improve your health and don’t have serious side effects, your doctor may recommend continuing the weight loss medication indefinitely. On the other hand, if you haven’t lost at least 5% of your body weight after 6 months of treatment, your doctor may put you on a different medication.
Can I get a discount on weight loss drugs with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including weight loss medications—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/diet-and-weight-loss
2. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html#
3. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54220
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5358074/
7. https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/side-effects.html
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138366/
9. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612037.html
Common Diet and Weight Loss Health Medications
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