Category Weight Loss Medications

Weight loss medications are typically prescribed to individuals who are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and have a body mass index (BMI) above a certain threshold. These medications are meant to be used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It’s important to note that these medications are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Here are some common types of weight loss medications:

Ozempic

Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, a medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It belongs to the class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide is structurally similar to the natural human hormone GLP-1, which plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels

Orlistat

Orlistat is a medication that works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines. It reduces the calories the body absorbs from fat, leading to weight loss. Orlistat is available in prescription (Xenical) and over-the-counter (Alli) forms.

Phentermine

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system. It is often prescribed for short-term use to help with weight loss. Phentermine is available in various brand and generic forms.

Lorcaserin

Lorcaserin is a serotonin receptor agonist that helps people feel full with smaller amounts of food. It was approved for weight loss but was voluntarily withdrawn from the market due to concerns about an increased risk of cancer.

Naltrexone-Bupropion

This combination of medications works on the brain’s appetite control centers. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, and bupropion is an antidepressant that also has effects on appetite.

Liraglutide

Originally developed as a medication for diabetes, liraglutide has been approved for weight loss under the brand name Saxenda. It mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.

Phentermine-Topiramate

This combination medication combines phentermine, an appetite suppressant, with topiramate, an anticonvulsant. It is believed to work on appetite control and satiety centers in the brain.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors

Medications like canagliflozin and dapagliflozin, originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, have shown weight loss benefits. They work by increasing the excretion of glucose in urine.