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Imagine this: a whopping 73% of adults in the U.S. are carrying more weight than they'd like to, and almost half of them are trying to slim down (1,2). But we all know dropping those pounds—and keeping them off—is no cakewalk. It's one thing to start making better food and lifestyle choices, but it’s another to keep that up day after day, month after month (3).
You know how choosing good-for-you foods in the right amounts and upping your activity can do wonders for both your body and mind, right? And get this: just dropping 5-10% of your weight can seriously dial down your triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar (4). But sometimes, even after you're eating better and moving more, you might find you've still got some pounds to lose (3).
Here’s a bit of bright news: the FDA has given the thumbs-up to several weight loss medications for long-term use, which you might hear called “anti-obesity medications” or AOMs for short (5). Think of these medications as a helping hand on your weight loss journey. They’re designed to tag team with, not replace, eating well and getting regular exercise. Because, let’s be real, they can’t do the job all by themselves (3,4,5,6)
These weight loss medications are available with a prescription from your doctor. They’re generally for those who’ve already given dieting and exercise their best shot and are still looking to lose weight. Specifically, if your BMI is at 30 or higher, or if you’re at 27 or more with a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, where losing a bit more weight could really do you some good (5,7).
The goal of these medications is to support your weight management efforts while you're already following a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity (7). When you combine them with a healthy lifestyle, they can enhance your weight loss by an additional 3-12% compared to just diet and lifestyle changes alone (4,7). However, they aren't suitable for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive (7).
This article takes a quick look at the ups and downs of using these medications. We'll cover the good stuff they can do, how they do their thing, the side effects you might encounter, and also some key nutrition tips you should keep in mind if you decide to take one.
What Are The Weight Loss Medications And How Do They Work?
There's quite a variety of long-term weight loss medications available (5). Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all option, and it's hard to predict which one will work best for you or how effective it will be (5). The best first step is to chat with your doctor. Together, considering your current health, any other medications or supplements you're taking, your family history, the cost of the medications, and possible side effects, you can figure out the best way to proceed (4,5).
The Obesity Medicine Association points out that weight loss medications really shine when combined with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise (5). These medications come with different tricks up their sleeve. A lot of them help you feel less hungry, satisfied more quickly, or cut down on cravings (5,7). They manage this by messing with various components like hormones (for instance, leptin and ghrelin), neurotransmitters (like GABA and serotonin), and peptides (such as GLP-1) that are in your brain, digestive system, and fat cells (5,6).
This approach works because when you're less hungry, get full quicker, and crave less, it's easier to cut down on calories and lose weight (6).
Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are given as weekly injections called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GIP receptor agonists (4,5). They target parts of the brain that control your appetite and food intake (4,5). The doses are small at first and gradually increase over a period of 16-20 weeks (5). This gradual increase helps minimize side effects like digestive issues, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue (5).
Liraglutide is a daily injection that works by influencing gut hormones to help you feel full sooner and reduce hunger (5).
Bupropion-naltrexone
These tablets mix two distinct meds – there's an antidepressant that supports weight loss and an opioid receptor antagonist, which is usually used for alcohol and drug dependence (4,5). When you take them together, they work on the brain's pleasure-reward center, which can help you feel full sooner and lower your appetite and cravings (4,5).
Phentermine and Phentermine-topiramate
Phentermine has been around the longest and is the go-to medication for weight loss (5). It's a pill that helps you eat less by making you feel less hungry (4). When you add topiramate, which usually treats seizures and migraines, the two join forces to dial down your hunger and cravings even more (5).
Orlistat
Orlistat has its own unique way of tackling weight loss because it changes how the digestive system handles fat (7). What sets Orlistat apart from other long-term weight loss pills is that you can get it with a prescription, or you can grab a less potent version off the shelf without one (7). You pop these capsules around meal times, and they get to work by cutting down your body's ability to soak up fat from the food and drinks you consume by roughly 30 percent (8). It stops the fat-digesting enzymes in their tracks (5). So, instead of those fat calories making a home in your body, they don't settle down; they just pass on through and leave the way they came in.
What Are Some Common Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications?
While these medications are generally safe when taken as directed, it's good to be aware of some possible side effects (6). Most side effects are mild and tend to go away as you continue using the medication (4). The most common issues are related to your digestive system: things like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea (7,8). You might also encounter dry mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, and feeling tired (5,7,8). Although rare, there is a slight risk of more serious side effects (7).
With Orlistat, for example, since it works by blocking the absorption of fats, common side effects include abdominal pain, loose stools, and increased gas (4,7).
A common issue with weight loss medications is the tendency to regain some of the weight after you stop them (4,5,7,8). This happens as part of your body's natural response to weight loss, whether from medications or other methods (5). This can be due to a lower resting metabolic rate and changes in hormones that affect your hunger and fullness cues (5). The Mayo Clinic suggests that adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help manage any weight gain (7).
It's crucial to keep in regular contact with your doctor while taking any weight loss medication. Make sure to report any unpleasant effects you're experiencing (6). Regular check-ins will help you share updates on how you're feeling, any side effects you're dealing with, and your weight loss progress (7). This feedback is valuable as your doctor can then decide whether to continue the same medication, try a new one, or stop treatment altogether (7).
What Eating Habits Are Essential When Taking Weight Loss Medications?
When you're using any weight loss medications, it’s really important to eat well. This means making sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need and eating just the right amount to help you on your weight loss journey. It's wise to steer clear of any weight loss plans that promise the moon—they're usually too good to be true (1).
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases shares that a solid weight loss plan should include a healthy, low-calorie food and drink plan, a strategy for getting active (if that fits for you), support for making these lifestyle changes, and tips for keeping the weight off (1). And that's precisely what programs like InHer Glow® Health and Wellness serve up.
The goal of a standout weight loss program is to help you set achievable weight loss targets, encourage habits that you can stick to in the long run, and offer ways to monitor your progress and handle any challenges (1). Ideally, a healthcare professional, like a certified nutritionist from a team like LYFE Balance, would customize all of these elements to suit you.
No two weight loss journeys are exactly the same, but there are some key nutrition tips to remember as you work towards your goal:
Aiming to lose about one pound per week is a healthy pace (9).
Load up on nutritious, satisfying foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains that are high in fiber (9).
For meat and dairy, go for leaner meats and lower-fat options (9).
Try to limit foods that are not so nutritious, like those that are fried or high in sugar or salt (8,9).
Watch your portion sizes (8,9).
Make water your main drink (9).
Gradually increase how much physical activity you do (9).
Since orlistat blocks the digestion of fats, a couple of extra diet tips apply:
Since it can also block the absorption of some vitamins and minerals, chatting with your healthcare provider about adding a multivitamin or supplement to your routine is a good idea (8).
You might find that the side effects, especially those related to digestion, can be minimized by following a lower-fat diet when taking orlistat (5).
Bottom Line
The Mayo Clinic puts it quite clearly: weight-loss medications aren't a magic solution, but they can offer a nudge in the right direction. They might just be what you need to kickstart those lifestyle changes essential for losing weight and boosting your health.
Looking for some guidance on making those sustainable lifestyle tweaks, medication or no medication? With my background as a Doctor of Pharmacy and a certification in Nutritional Genomics, I'm here and ready to support you on your journey.
If you're ready to connect with a professional who's truly committed to your success in managing weight, why not book an appointment with me today to explore how I can assist you?
Just click on the “book now” button to get started.
Also, if you want to know more about these wieght loss medications and want tips on enhancing your results and maintaining them, come join our free Empowerment Hour titled “How to Use Weight Loss Medications and Maintain Your Results” here.
References
(1) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024, February).
Choosing a Safe & Successful Weight-loss Program. U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-
information/weight-management/choosing-a-safe-successful-weight-loss-program
(2) National Center for Health Statistics. (2018, July). Attempts to Lose Weight Among
Adults in the United States, 2013–2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(3) Mayo Clinic (2023, November 1). Weight loss basics.
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(4) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023, March).
Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-
information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity
(5) Obesity Medicine. (2024, January 26). Top Weight Loss Medications.
(6) Cleveland Clinic. (2023, November 20). Appetite Suppressants.
(7) Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 29). Prescription weight-loss drugs.
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(8) Medline Plus. (2023, July 8) Weight-loss medicines. U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, National Institutes of Health.
(9) Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Medical Nutrition Therapy for Weight Loss.
therapy-for-weight-loss
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