Prescription Drugs to Treat Overweight & Obesity in Little Elm, TX
Most times, exercise and diet are not enough to treat overweight and obesity, so there’s a need for other interventions. Prescription weight loss drugs have been proven to be effective for the treatment of overweight and obesity.
The common weight loss medications are Zepbound, Wegovy, Belviq, Contrave, Lomaira, Saxenda, and Qsymia. These weight-loss medications are usually used together with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
How effective are prescription weight loss drugs?
Prescription weight loss drugs are highly effective. Certain studies show that taking prescription weight loss medications for a year can result in a loss of total body weight of 3% to 12% more than with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise).
Who can take weight-loss drugs?
Weight loss can be taken by people who haven’t been able to lose weight through diet and exercise and their Body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30. It’s also prescribed for those with a BMI greater than 27 suffering from medical problems linked to obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
How well do weight-loss drugs work?
Weight loss prescriptions work so well that taking these drugs for a year can mean a loss of total body weight of 3% to 12% more than the amount of weight loss with exercise and diet alone. While the percentage seems small, it isn’t in comparison to the health benefits you get.
Losing 5% to 10% of your total weight with weight loss drugs and maintaining it can have important health benefits.
How long do I take a weight-loss drug?
The duration of time for usage of weight-loss drugs depends on whether the drug helps you lose weight or not. If you’ve lost enough weight to achieve a healthy body weight and improved health without experiencing any serious side effects, your healthcare provider may suggest that you take the drug long-term; if not, you may have to discontinue the drugs.
What drugs are approved for weight loss in Little Elm, TX?
There are only six weight-loss drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use. They include:
- Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Bupropion-naltrexone
Bupropion-naltrexone is sold under the brand name Contrave. It is a fixed-dose combination medication used for obesity and weight management. Naltrexone alone is used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction, while Bupropion is a drug to treat depression and help people stop smoking.
This combination of drugs works by stimulating the parts of your brain responsible for appetite control and the reward system to manage your food cravings. It’s a very effective medication for weight loss but has its downsides.
Bupropion-naltrexone can raise blood pressure, so your provider will need to check your blood pressure regularly when taking the medication.
Orlistat
Orlistat works for weight loss by blocking some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body. It is used to aid weight loss or to help reduce the risk of regaining weight already lost. This medicine is to be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Side effects such as passing gas and having loose stools are associated with this medication. It’s important to follow a low-fat diet when taking this drug. Orlistat isn’t designed for everyone; it’s designed and effective for healthy, obese, or overweight adults.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide one receptor agonist that stimulates insulin release and inhibits glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and increases satiety after eating. It is mostly used as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight management in overweight or obese adults.
It’s also a drug popular for its use in diabetes management. It’s given as a daily shot. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of this weight loss drug.
Phentermine-topiramate
Phentermine-topiramate is another combination drug used for weight loss. It consists of a weight-loss drug called phentermine and an anticonvulsant called topiramate. Phentermine by itself (Adipex-P, Lomaira) can be used for weight loss.
Phentermine is a weight-loss drug approved for use for less than 12 weeks. The combination of drugs works by decreasing appetite and by causing feelings of fullness to last longer after eating. It’s effective for weight loss in obese or overweight adults and children aged 12 years or older who are obese.
It also helps to keep individuals from gaining back lost weight. Side effects that may occur include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, constipation, insomnia, and nervousness.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is also one of the medications in the glucagon-like peptide agonist classes of medications. It stimulates GLP-1 receptors to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar (glucose).
For that reason, semaglutide has been in use for more than 15 years to treat Type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 in higher amounts interacts with the parts of the brain responsible for appetite suppression and satiety, which reduces food intake to help facilitate weight loss.
Semaglutide combined with diet and exercise can result in significant weight loss. Common side effects of using this weight loss drug include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Setmelanotide
The FDA has approved bremelanotide for obese children six and older who have obesity due to rare inherited conditions such as Proopiomelanocortin deficiency, Leptin receptor deficiency, and others.
It works by activating pathways in the brain to promote weight loss by reducing calorie intake and increasing energy expenditure. To get a prescription for the drug, you’ll need to have test results that show you have one of the conditions that result in obesity.
Setmelanotide helps you lose weight by reducing your appetite and making you feel fuller. You take setmelanotide as a daily shot. It can cause side effects such as swollen or irritated skin, nausea, and hyperpigmentation at injection sites. This drug is not recommended for children not up to 6 years old.
What are the concerns about using prescription drugs to lose weight?
The concerns about using prescription weight loss drugs include:
- Possible side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, are common. Although they resolve on time, they could become serious in some people.
- Weight loss medications can’t replace diet and exercise. You can only get good results with weight loss medications when you combine these drugs with lifestyle modifications such as exercising regularly and eating healthy, low-calorie diets.
- Some of these weight loss medications can be expensive.
How do healthcare professionals use prescription medications “off-label” to treat overweight and obesity?
Healthcare professionals occasionally use prescription weight loss medications in a way that’s different from what the FDA has approved them for. In this case, these medications are termed “off-label” use. Healthcare providers use prescription weight loss medications off-label to treat overweight and obesity.
Are Weight Loss Medications Effective?
Yes, weight loss medications are truly effective. A lot of patients report improvement in their condition upon combining weight loss medications with exercise and healthy diets. It can take more than a year for the drug to reach full effectiveness for some people, but rest assured that you will see good results.
Are weight loss medications like Wegovy right for you?
Weight loss medications like Wegovy were approved by the FDA, so they’re generally safe when prescribed appropriately by a doctor following the FDA guidelines. The FDA approval specifically applies to adults with a BMI of 30 or greater or a BMI of 27 or greater with any weight-related health condition.
Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Medications
Pros:
- Weight loss medications are not produced to replace healthy eating habits and exercise; they work to complement them. So when these drugs are combined with healthy lifestyle changes, you can achieve a healthy weight and improve your health condition in the long run.
- Another advantage of prescription weight loss medications is that you not only achieve a significant weight reduction, but you will also be able to maintain the weight loss. Losing a small percentage of weight can also help lower blood pressure and blood sugar, reduce triglyceride levels, ease joint pain, and improve sleep.
- Weight loss medications are closely monitored by medical weight management professionals, making them safe for use.
Cons:
- Weight loss medications are associated with a possible risk of side effects such as insomnia, dry mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Common side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, some people may experience more severe complications.
FAQ
What is the most effective weight loss prescription drug?
GLP-1 agonists are the most effective anti-obesity medications. Currently, only liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound) are approved for weight loss in this class of medication. It also helps that they’re also safe for long-term use.
Can children or teenagers take weight management medications?
Yes, children and teenagers with obesity can take weight management medications alongside diet and lifestyle changes that encourage healthy eating and exercise. The four weight loss drugs approved for use for people in this category include Wegovy, Saxenda, Qsymia, and Orlistat.
Can medications replace physical activity and healthy eating habits as a way to lose weight?
No, medications can’t replace physical activity or healthy eating habits as a way to lose weight. You must continue to exercise and eat healthy diets while taking weight loss medications.
Are the Newest Weight Loss Drugs Too Good to be True?
The newest weight loss drugs, such as Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are almost too good to be true because they’re very effective for weight loss and are safe for use.