You’ve likely heard all about the significance of a good diet and routine exercise in obtaining your desired body weight. However, for many people, reaching their ideal weight might be challenging without additional assistance.
In such cases, weight-loss medicines may be effective. There are also other choices available. The greatest weight-loss drug for you will be the one that provides you with the results you want, with the fewest side effects imaginable, and at a price you can afford.
In general, tablets cost less than injectables. In this post, we will look at what prescription weight-loss medications are available, the top five weight loss pills, and when a doctor will prescribe them.
What Prescription weight loss pills are available?
Weight loss pills are a handy, needle-free choice for people who desire to lose excess body weight. Typically, patients who take one of these drugs can lose between 3% and 12% of their body weight.
The following is a list of prescription weight loss medicines that have received FDA approval. They are most effective when accompanied by lifestyle modifications like a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
1. Contrave
Contrave is an oral tablet that contains naltrexone and bupropion. During the first month of use, you gradually increase your dosage.
But once the body adjusts, most individuals take two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening.
Contrave’s active components work synergistically to suppress appetite and food cravings. In early studies, more than 40% of individuals who took Contrave for a year dropped at least 5% of their initial body weight.
More than 20% dropped at least 10% of their body weight. If you suffer from emotional eating, your healthcare provider may be more likely to prescribe Contrave.
Contrave is now only prescribed as a brand-name medicine. A generic version is not yet available. Furthermore, it is only approved for adults, so youngsters cannot take it.
2. Qsymia
Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate ER) is another brand-name combo tablet. For those 12 years of age and older, it is an oral capsule that can be taken once daily to aid in weight loss.
However, because it contains phentermine, Qsymia is considered a controlled substance. It is not the ideal solution if you have a history of substance abuse or addiction.
Qsymia works by lowering your appetite. In earlier trials, Qsymia assisted over 70% of adults in losing at least 5% of their body weight after one year. Approximately 50% of individuals lost at least 10% of their body weight.
When compared to Contrave, researchers discovered that Qsymia is a better alternative.
3. Phentermine
Phentermine (Adipex-P) is a prescription weight-loss medicine available in the form of tablets and capsules. It is available in both generic and brand name forms for people aged 17 and up. However, it is a prohibited substance and poses health hazards.
Unlike the other drugs listed, phentermine is only FDA-allowed for use for up to 12 weeks at a time. That is because, when it was approved in 1959, there were no long-term studies to demonstrate its safety.
There were also concerns that it would raise the chance of developing heart disease.
Some recent studies suggest that it can be used for more than 12 weeks without raising the risk of heart disease. As a result, based on your particular risk and benefit, your prescriber might advise taking it for a longer time.
Phentermine is one of the most often prescribed weight loss drugs, likely due to its inexpensive cost. Benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine are weight loss medications similar to phentermine, however, they are administered less frequently.
4. Orlistat
Orlistat (Xenical) is another brand-name prescription weight loss medication. It is an oral capsule that people can take three times a day with their meals.
However, it is less popular than other weight-loss medications, is not recommended for children or teenagers, and can produce some unpleasant side effects.
Still, Orlistat works by allowing your body to absorb less fat from the foods you eat. It can also lessen the likelihood of gaining weight after losing it.
In early trials, orlistat helped up to 55% of adults lose 5% or more of their body weight after a year. Approximately 25% dropped at least 10% of their body weight.
5. Plenity
Plenity is not strictly a medication. It is a medicinal product composed of cellulose and citric acid. However, it is only available with a prescription and has been approved by the FDA for use as a weight-loss aid. Some adults who are overweight or obese are eligible to take it.
This oral capsule is intended to help you eat less during the day. After you take it, it expands in your stomach and small intestine, causing you to feel full. It does not enter your bloodstream; rather, it begins to break down once it reaches your large intestine.
After 6 months of use, around 60% of persons who took Plenity lost at least 5% of their body weight, according to preliminary research.
Which is the best prescription weight loss pill?
It’s difficult to determine which is the best weight-loss drug. Because it differs from person to person. The best weight-loss tablet for you is one that allows you to shed 5% to 10% of your body weight while causing little or no negative effects.
Other factors to consider are how frequently you need to take medication, as well as the expense.
As a result, different drugs, or drug combinations, will be more effective for different people. Having a variety of options is essential for picking one that suits you and your lifestyle.
Based on clinical study results, Qsymia is possibly the most effective prescription weight-loss drug. It tends to result in the greatest weight loss for the greatest percentage of people.
However, you should discuss the potential hazards of controlled substances such as Qsymia with your doctor.
The bottom line
Prescription weight loss pills work best when used with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Qsymia is the best pill for many people, but it’s not right for everyone. Your healthcare worker (HCP) can help you find the best treatment for your needs based on your health goals, personal preferences, and medical history.
And if weight-loss pills don’t work, there are more and more injectable drugs that can help, though the price is a problem.
