In the world of weight loss, there’s no shortage of quick fixes and miracle cures. But let’s be real—if you’re a healthcare professional, you know that effective weight management is a lot more complex. It’s not just about diet and exercise; sometimes, your patients need an extra push, and that’s where weight loss medications come in. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for your patient?
Let’s break down the top 5 weight loss medications that are backed by science, so you can make informed decisions and help your patients achieve real, lasting results.
1. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
How It Works
Semaglutide, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, has quickly become a star in the weight loss world. It’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the hormone GLP-1 that helps regulate appetite and food intake. By enhancing the feeling of fullness and slowing down gastric emptying, semaglutide helps patients eat less and lose weight.
Evidence-Based Benefits
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that patients taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks . That’s a game-changing result, especially for patients who’ve struggled with weight loss for years.
Side Effects
Like any medication, semaglutide isn’t without its side effects. The most common include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly when starting the treatment. However, these symptoms often subside as the body adjusts.
Ideal Candidates
Semaglutide is ideal for patients who are significantly overweight or obese, especially those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. It’s also a good option for patients who’ve had difficulty losing weight with lifestyle changes alone.
2. Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
How It Works
Phentermine-topiramate combines two medications: phentermine, an appetite suppressant, and topiramate, a drug used to treat epilepsy and migraines that also helps with weight loss. Together, they reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, making it easier for patients to stick to a calorie-reduced diet.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Research published in The Lancet found that patients taking phentermine-topiramate lost an average of 9.8% of their body weight over a year . It’s been shown to be particularly effective for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight.
Side Effects
Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and tingling in the hands and feet. There’s also a risk of mood changes and cognitive disturbances, so it’s important to monitor patients closely.
Ideal Candidates
This medication is best suited for patients who are obese with a BMI of 30 or higher, or overweight with a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related condition like hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
3. Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
How It Works
Naltrexone-bupropion is a combination of two medications that work on the brain’s reward system to reduce hunger and cravings. Naltrexone is typically used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence, while bupropion is an antidepressant that also helps with smoking cessation and weight loss.
Evidence-Based Benefits
According to a study in Obesity journal, patients taking naltrexone-bupropion lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight over 56 weeks . This medication not only helps with weight loss but also addresses emotional eating and food cravings.
Side Effects
The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. It’s also important to note that bupropion can increase the risk of seizures, so it’s not suitable for patients with a history of seizure disorders.
Ideal Candidates
Naltrexone-bupropion is a good option for patients who struggle with emotional eating or have a history of addiction. It’s typically prescribed for patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions.
4. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
How It Works
Liraglutide, like semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite. It’s administered as a daily injection and works by slowing down gastric emptying and promoting a feeling of fullness, which helps reduce food intake.
Evidence-Based Benefits
A study published in The Lancet demonstrated that patients using liraglutide lost an average of 8% of their body weight over 56 weeks . It’s particularly effective for patients who need a slow and steady approach to weight loss.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are similar to those of semaglutide, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients may also experience low blood sugar, particularly if they have type 2 diabetes.
Ideal Candidates
Liraglutide is suitable for patients who prefer a daily routine and who need a medication that’s been proven effective over the long term. It’s also a good option for patients with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing it.
5. Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
How It Works
Orlistat works differently from the other medications on this list. Instead of affecting appetite, it blocks the absorption of about 30% of the fat you eat by inhibiting the enzyme lipase. This means fewer calories are absorbed from the food you consume, leading to weight loss.
Evidence-Based Benefits
According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, patients taking orlistat lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight over a year . It’s a straightforward, non-stimulant option for patients looking to lose weight.
Side Effects
The side effects are mainly gastrointestinal, including oily stools, flatulence, and frequent bowel movements. Because it blocks fat absorption, it can also interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, so patients should take a multivitamin.
Ideal Candidates
Orlistat is best for patients who are willing to follow a low-fat diet and who prefer a non-stimulant option. It’s suitable for those with a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or higher with additional risk factors like high cholesterol or hypertension.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Medication for Your Patients
Weight loss is never a one-size-fits-all journey, and the same goes for weight loss medications. Understanding how each of these top 5 medications works, their potential side effects, and which patients are the best candidates is crucial for providing personalized, effective care.
At Medical Weight Loss Training, we’re here to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to make informed decisions and help your patients achieve their weight loss goals. By staying informed and leveraging the latest evidence-based treatments, you can transform your practice and, more importantly, transform lives.
Ready to take your expertise in medical weight loss to the next level? Join us at Medical Weight Loss Training and start making a bigger impact in your patients’ lives today.