Many people fight obesity but are unable to lose a considerable amount of weight over time. Even while nutrition and exercise are essential, some people might need extra help to achieve their objectives. FDA-approved weight-loss drugs may be a game-changer for these people.
We’ll discuss the six weight-reduction medications that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for long-term use in this blog, giving you the knowledge you need to make wise choices regarding your weight loss path.
Lets know why FDA-Approved Weight-Loss Medications
The meaning of FDA approval is crucial to know when discussing weight-loss drugs. Only after putting drugs via thorough testing to make sure they are safe and effective for general use does the FDA approve them. These medications are suitable for those who have battled obesity and associated health problems for a long time because they are specifically made for long-term weight control.
Overview of the Six FDA-Approved Weight-Loss Drugs
Let’s dive into each of the six FDA-approved weight-loss medications, examining how they work, their effectiveness, and potential side effects.
1. Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave)
Under the trade name Contrary, bupropion-naltrexone is a combination medication that acts on two brain regions related to desire and cravings. Together, the antidepressant bupropion and the addiction treatment drug naltrexone help lower hunger and manage cravings.
Effectiveness: Over the course of a year, individuals taking Contrave dropped 5% of their body weight on average, according to clinical research.
Negative Effects: Nausea, constipation, headaches, and dizziness are typical problems. It’s critical to talk to your doctor about whether this drug is right for you, especially if you’ve had seizures in the past.
2. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Under the commercial name Saxenda, ligandude replicates a hormone that affects brain regions related to controlling hunger. An injection is given of this drug once a day.
Effectiveness: Research indicates that Saxenda users can shed up to 8% of their body weight in a year.
Side Effects: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) are typical adverse effects. Saxenda is very helpful for people with type 2 diabetes.
3. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat blocks the intestines’ ability to absorb fats. It is sold as Xenical on a prescription and Alli over-the-counter. This indicates that some of the fat you eat disappears from your body rather than absorbed.
Effectiveness: Over the course of a year, orlistat has been proven to assist patients in losing 5–10% of their body weight.
Side effect: Frequent side effects include gastrointestinal problems such as frequent bowel movements, flatulence, and greasy stools. A low-fat diet can help to reduce these impacts.
4. Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
Under the brand name Qsymia, phentermine-topiramate is a combo medication that decreases appetite and increases sensations of fullness. Together, the stimulant phentermine and the anticonvulsant topiramate provide a powerful weight-loss drug.
Effectiveness: Within a year of starting Qsymia, patients can anticipate losing roughly 10% of their body weight.
Side effects: An elevated heart rate, dry mouth, vertigo, and lack of sleep are possible side effects. Patients with glaucoma or heart disease should not use Qsymia.
5. Semaglutide (Wegovy)
A more recent weight-loss drugs called semaglutide, often known as Wegovy, works by imitating the hormone GLP-1, which aids in controlling hunger. It is given by injection once a week.
Effectiveness: Wegovy can help patients lose up to 15% of their body weight in 68 weeks, according to clinical trials.
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are typical side effects. Although Wegovy has shown impressive efficacy, it should be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
6. Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Imcivree, also known as setmelanotide, is a prescription drug that is specifically approved for those with uncommon genetic disorders that result in obesity. It functions by turning on brain circuits that control appetite.
Effectiveness: Patients with particular genetic disorders lost a considerable amount of weight all over clinical trials.
Side Effects: may include darkening of the skin, nausea, and skin reactions at the injection site. This drug is only meant for a very specific set of individuals.
Who Should Consider These Weight-Loss Drugs?
Generally speaking, people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related medical disorders such type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, are advised to use these FDA-approved weight-loss medications. To find the prescription that best suits your needs and health profile, it is important that you speak with a healthcare professional.
Benefits and Risks of FDA-Approved Weight-Loss Medications
These drugs provide a number of potential major advantages, such as notable weight loss and improved health outcomes connected to obesity. They do not, however, come without risks. Mild side effects like headaches and nausea are possible, as are severe ones like increased heart rate and addiction risk. To balance these dangers and advantages, expert advice from a healthcare professional is crucial.
Combining Medication with Lifestyle Changes
Even while they can be a big help, weight-loss drugs work best when paired with other lifestyle modifications like frequent exercise and a nutritious diet. These drugs are a tool that helps you in reaching your weight-loss objectives, not a miracle cure.
Finding a weight-loss drug that works for you might be difficult, but the first step is knowing what options are available to you. With their different ways of action and potential advantages, the six FDA-approved weight-loss medications allow you to customize your treatment to meet your unique needs.
It is important that you speak with a doctor if you plan to use medication for weight loss. Our specialists at SOTA Wellness are here to walk you through your choices and guide you in selecting the best course of action for your specific situation. To go forward with a healthy you, make an appointment for a consultation right now.
