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Understanding Weight Loss Medications: Benefits, Side Effects, Types & More!

Written by:

Anushka Tripathi

Published on: 01 Apr 2024

10 min

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Welcome, readers. Let’s talk about weight loss today. It's a journey many of us embark on, and while diet and exercise are powerful tools, sometimes we need a little extra support. Weight loss medications have become a growing conversation, but navigating information and making informed decisions can feel overwhelming.

With a wider variety of weight loss medications available, people may query about the strongest and most effective prescription medication. The answer may be complicated, and it can be challenging to determine which medication is suitable for a particular individual.

The market and fitness trends change rapidly, so it is important to keep pace with the available options and their related pros and cons. This blog is your friendly guide to the list of weight loss drugs. We'll break down the different types of medications available, explore their potential benefits, and discuss any side effects to be aware of. We understand weight loss is a personal experience, and this blog is here to empower you with knowledge so you can discuss options openly with your doctor. Keep reading to know more.

Table Of Contents

1. What Are Weight Loss Medicine?

2. Weight Loss Medicine Allopathic Benefits

3. Weight Loss Medicine Without Side Effects

4. Weight Loss Pills For Men

5. Weight Loss Pills For Women

6. Dietitian’s Recommendation

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

9. References

What Is Weight Loss Medicine?

Weight loss medications are designed to help people with health problems related to being overweight or obese. Most of these medications are intended for people who weigh more than 20% of their ideal weight or who have a high body mass in

Also Read: 7 Healthy And Effective Weight Loss Strategies

Your healthcare provider uses your BMI to decide whether you will benefit from weight control medications and may prescribe medication to help with your overweight or obesity if:

Your BMI is 30 or higher
Your BMI is 27 or higher, and you have a specific weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

Along with weight loss medications, lifestyle programs and changes in eating habits, coupled with regular physical activity, can bring swifter and sustainable results.

Weight Loss Medicine Allopathic Benefits

There are many benefits to using medication for weight loss, some of them include:

Improved metabolic rate	A higher rate of metabolism makes it easier to lose weight because you can digest food faster and better. People with high metabolism burn more calories than people with slow metabolism. Many weight loss supplements help increase your metabolic rate. This supplement also enables you to achieve your ideal body weight by burning excess fat in your body.
Curbing cravings	To shed pounds, it’s important to reduce daily calorie intake. While calorie reduction can be planned, food cravings pose more challenges. That’s why many weight loss allopathic medicines suppress food cravings and appetite, helping you eliminate hunger pangs and avoid impulsive snacking.
Increased energy levels	Weight loss medications can increase energy levels by stimulating the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness and decreased fatigue. Scientifically, these medications often contain stimulants like caffeine or amphetamines, which can enhance energy expenditure and reduce feelings of lethargy, thereby promoting weight loss through increased physical activity.

Also Read: 7 Best Tips And Exercises To Lose Weight At Home Naturally

Weight Loss Medicine Without Side Effects

The FDA reviews all data from clinical trials and decides whether the drug can be “approved” for use. The FDA also sets specific guidelines for the use of the drug and declares the cautions for each. Here are some of the popular weight loss medications without side effects. However, any medication for weight loss should only be taken under expert supervision and medical advice:

1. Semaglutide (Brand Name: Wegovy)

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist and injectable medication used to treat diabetes and control obesity. Oral tablets are available, but only the injectable form has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity. The drug also helped improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy may help reduce body weight by up to 15% in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher than that.

Cautionary Note: It's not suitable for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

2. Liraglutide (Brand Name: Saxenda)

Liraglutide, like semaglutide, is a GLP-1 agonist which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Liraglutide may affect the gastric emptying rate and the hormonal changes after a meal. According to clinical studies, liraglutide can lead to significant weight loss in people who are obese or overweight. This makes it helpful in managing body weight and enhancing metabolic well-being.

Its usage is also linked with enhancement in factors of cardiovascular risk like blood pressure as well as lipid profile, which underlines its potential role as an all-around treatment option for obesity and related comorbid conditions.

Cautionary Note: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and headache. It's not recommended for individuals with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid tumours.

3. Naltrexone/Bupropion (Brand Name Contrave)

Naltrexone/Bupropion is considered adequate for weight loss due to its dual mechanism of action. Naltrexone works on opioid receptors to reduce food cravings, while bupropion acts on neurotransmitters to suppress appetite and increase metabolism. This combination medication has shown promising results in clinical trials, making it a suitable option for individuals struggling with obesity.

Cautionary Note: It's contraindicated for individuals with hypertension, seizure disorders, or opioid use disorder.

4. Phentermine/Topiramate (Brand Name Qsymia)

Phentermine/topiramate combines phentermine and topiramate to suppress appetite more effectively. While phentermine is widely used due to its affordability, it's crucial to avoid it with certain conditions like high blood pressure. Clinical evidence indicates this combination can lead to a 3 to 5 per cent reduction in body weight. Benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine are alternatives to phentermine, although less frequently prescribed.

Cautionary Note: Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, altered taste, insomnia, and dizziness. It's not recommended for individuals with hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or a history of cardiovascular disease.

5. Orlistat (Brand Names Xenical, Alli)

Orlistat helps reduce fat absorption from food by up to 30%. This is an oral capsule that adults can take three times a day with meals. Orlistat helps your body absorb less fat from the food you eat. It may also reduce your risk of weight gain after losing weight. In early studies, orlistat helped up to 55% of adults lose 5% or more of their body weight within one year, and up to 25% lost at least 10% weight in the same study.

Cautionary Note: Orlistat is not approved for children and adolescents and may cause unpleasant side effects like oily spotting and flatulence.

Weight Loss Pills For Men

There are various types of diet pills for men available in the market, and they claim to work in different ways. However, any medication for weight loss should only be taken under expert supervision and medical advice.

One type is lipase inhibitors, which work by preventing the body from absorbing some of the fat you consume. These pills block the action of an enzyme called lipase that the body uses to break down fat for absorption. As a result, the fat passes through the body undigested, which can lead to weight loss. Below mentioned weight loss pills for men provide more detailed information:

1. Orlistat

Orlistat, a prescription drug, is prescribed as a short-term treatment for men who have already tried to lose weight through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. It is usually only prescribed to men with a baseline BMI of 30 or higher (or 27 or higher if they already have an obesity-related condition).

Orlistat prevents your body from absorbing about one-third of the fat you eat. It is not stored in the body and is excreted through stool.

Also Read: Best Homeopathic Medicine For Weight Loss

2. Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a fibre supplement derived from the roots of the Konjac plant. It absorbs 50 times its weight in water, making you feel full after a meal. This helps you eat less throughout the day and prevent additional weight gain. Glucomannan promotes weight loss and relieves constipation.

Some studies have shown that it can lower cholesterol and triglycerides and stabilise blood sugar levels. Hence, it is suitable for everyone, especially those who do hard-core workouts, like bodybuilders with high nutrition requirements. A daily dose of 1 gram of glucomannan is generally sufficient to be effective.

3. Phentermine

Phentermine is present in some prescription diet pills and weight loss medications. The most common is Ximia, which is used with topiramate. This drug acts on the brain and reduces appetite.

4. Naltrexone Hydrochloride And Bupropion Hydrochloride

Like phentermine, naltrexone and bupropion act on the central nervous system to reduce hunger. You can usually find it on Contrava. As with Ximia, it is important to be aware of the potential mental health side effects of this drug.

Weight Loss Pills For Women

Women need weight loss supplements tailored to their unique needs. A good diet pill for women considers hormonal balance, metabolic rate, and appetite control. Ensure to take any medication under the supervision of a doctor.

Also Read: GLP-1 Drugs? Its Effect On Diabetes & Weight Loss

Leanbean is a weight loss medication designed especially for women, considering the unique factors that affect women's weight loss. It contains ingredients such as glucomannan, a dietary fibre that promotes satiety, and choline, which helps fat metabolism.
Phen24 is among the best women's diet pills. Its unique formula synchronises with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle since metabolism works differently day and night.
Trimtone contains caffeine and green tea to boost metabolism and reduce appetites while considering that women tend to have less muscle mass and a slower metabolic rate.

Opting for weight loss medications tailored to women, like PhenQ or Crazybulk Winsol, streamlines the process, considering women's unique biological requirements and daily routines.

Also Read: Best Weight Loss Plan For Men & Women with Indian Diet

Dietitian’s Recommendation

Studies have shown that certain weight loss medications are helpful in your weight loss journey and help you stick to your weight loss plan. However, this should be combined with a balanced diet, plenty of movement during the day, and a good night's sleep.

-Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Weight loss medications have strong evidence supporting their effectiveness in achieving meaningful weight loss. These medications can help treat obesity, but they are not a magic bullet that makes losing weight easier.

Combining this with a diet and exercise program can produce even more noticeable results. However, eligibility criteria, potential side effects, and whether long-term use is needed must be considered.

FAQs

1. What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill?

According to certain clinical studies, semaglutide offers the maximum weight loss is significant. A 2022 study including 175 individuals showed around 5.9% weight loss at three months and 10.9% at six months.

2. Which medicine is best for weight loss?

Here are some of the best weight loss drugs list:

GLP-1 agonists [liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy)]
Orlistat.
Phentermine/topiramate
Naltrexone/bupropion
Setmelanotide

3. What are Ozempic side effects?

Here are some of the commonly known side effects of Ozempic:

Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis).
Changes in vision

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Kidney problems (kidney failure)
Serious allergic reactions
Gallbladder problems

4. If I stop taking weight loss medication, will I gain weight again?

Yes, unless combined with proper diet and exercise, weight loss medications may only be effective as long as you take them. If you stop taking them, you are likely to gain weight again. This is why it is so important to incorporate diet changes and exercise into your daily routine.

5. Can diet pills replace diet and exercise?

No, weight loss drugs like Wegovy are not a replacement for diet and exercise. Making lifestyle changes may help minimise weight regain after you stop taking diet pills.

6. Can diet pills help you lose weight without exercise?

If you want to lose weight but can't exercise due to illness or injury, diet pills may be right for you. Lipase inhibitors such as orlistat should be combined with a healthy low-fat diet or reduced intake using glucomannan.

References

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