What is prescription weight loss medicines?

Weight-loss medicines may be an option for people who have obesity or who are overweight and have weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These medicines may help some people who haven't been able to lose weight with diet and exercise.

Here are some examples of medicines used for weight loss. Many are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat obesity or overweight. Other medicines that may have the same ingredients are also used to help with weight loss.

• Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic). It may help you eat less. It's given as a shot or pill.
• Liraglutide (Saxenda). This medicine may help you eat less. It's given as a shot once a day.
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound). This medicine may help you eat less. You take this medicine as a shot once a week.
• Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia). This medicine combines the drugs phentermine and topiramate. Taking it once a day can help you eat less.
• Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave). This medicine may reduce your appetite. It may help you avoid overeating.
• Orlistat (Xenical). Orlistat prevents some of the fat calories you eat from being absorbed in your intestines. It's also available without a prescription under the brand name Alli. Alli is half as strong as Xenical.

Different weight-loss medicines produce different results in each person. Many people are able to lose 5% to 16% or more of their body weight, depending on how they respond to the medicine. Your doctor can help you understand your options and decide what might be right for you.

Weight-loss medicines are used long-term along with healthy eating and being more active. Many people regain some or most of the weight they lost if they stop taking the medicines. If you stop taking the medicine, healthy eating and activity may help limit how much weight you gain back.

Weight loss medicines don't work for everyone. If you are having trouble reaching your goals, talk with your doctor about other things you can try.

Many weight-loss medicines have side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, and changes in bowel habits. Some medicines are more likely to cause side effects than others. For example:

• Blood pressure changes can occur with naltrexone-bupropion and semaglutide.
• Changes in bowel habits can occur with orlistat. These changes may include oily or fatty stool and being unable to control bowel movements.

Sometimes the side effects are mild and go away over time. Tell your doctor about any side effects you have.

Your doctor will check whether weight loss improves any health conditions you have, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Before you get a prescription for weight-loss medicine, be sure to:

• Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant. These medicines can harm a pregnancy or baby.
• Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you take.

Using weight-loss medicines carries some risks. Here are a few examples:

• Orlistat (Xenical) can cause changes in bowel habits. These changes may include having oily or fatty stool and being unable to control bowel movements.
• Liraglutide (Saxenda) may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people who have diabetes. In anyone, it may cause stomach pain and upset. It also can make the heart beat faster. Cases of inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) also have been reported.
• Appetite suppressants such as benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, and phentermine can make you nervous and irritable. They may raise your blood pressure. You may have trouble sleeping. It is also possible to misuse these medicines which can lead to substance use disorder.

Weight-loss medicines also can harm unborn babies. Women who are pregnant should not take these medicines.