Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBy Drug ClassAffordabilityComparing TypesAsking Your Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
By Drug Class
Affordability
Comparing Types
Asking Your Provider
Medications for weight loss have been getting a lot of attention lately, and more people are looking into them. Eight types of weight loss medications that are approved to treat obesity and overweight.
The best weight loss pills depend on your goals and unique circumstances, and it can take some time to find weight loss pills that actually work for you. Finding a prescription weight loss treatment can involve considering the medication’s side effects, cost, availability, and impact on your health.
Continue reading to learn more about the types of weight loss medications and how to find one that works for you.
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Weight and BMIThis article discusses weight loss, but Verywell understands that weight alone is not an accurate representation of a person’s health. The problematic body-mass index (BMI) compares weight to height, without considering body composition (fat vs. muscle mass). BMI is used as a metric to prescribe weight loss medications, but it’s not the only measurement of a person’s health.
Weight and BMI
This article discusses weight loss, but Verywell understands that weight alone is not an accurate representation of a person’s health. The problematic body-mass index (BMI) compares weight to height, without considering body composition (fat vs. muscle mass). BMI is used as a metric to prescribe weight loss medications, but it’s not the only measurement of a person’s health.
The various types of weight loss medications work in different ways. If one type of medicine doesn’t work for you, another might. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of weight loss medications.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 inhibitors are popular because research shows they create a greater weight loss than other medications. Many people look at them as weight loss pills that actually work.
The approved GLP-1 receptor antagonists are:
Stimulants
Stimulants have a long history of being used for weight loss. COne stimulant approved for weight loss isQsymia.
This medication’s two active ingredients arephentermine, a medication similar to amphetamines, and topiramate, an anti-seizure medication. Together, they reduce appetite, and can lead to a weight loss of 5% to 10% of body weight within a year.
Phentermine has been used for decades, and it is the most widely-prescribed weight loss treatment.
Opioid Antagonist Combination Pills
Contraveis a weight loss pill that has two active ingredients: naltrexone, an opioid-antagonist, which is used to treat substance use disorder, and bupropion, an antidepressant that also helps people stop smoking.
The combination of the two can decrease cravings and keep you feeling full for longer. People taking Contrave usually lose about 5% of their body weight. About 1 in 5 people taking it lose 10% of their body weight.
Diet Pills That Impact Fat
How to Afford Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications can be very expensive, especially GLP-1 inhibitors, which cost about $1,000 per month. Many insurers do not cover these medications, or require you to try other weight loss pills first before approving them.Because of this, many people try a lower-cost weight loss treatment instead. That siad, many of them may offer patient assistance programs with certain insurance plans.
Comparing Types of Weight Loss Medications
When you’re deciding what weight loss medication is right for you, consider these factors:
How to Ask About Prescription Weight Loss Medications
Talking about weight can be awkward, but remember, having a higher BMI is nothing to be ashamed about. Your healthcare provider will be happy to talk with you about this medical treatment for chronic obesity.
It can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria for prescribing weight loss medications. Most are recommended for people who:
Remember, your healthcare provider is there to work for you, and should not judge you for asking about these medications.
Summary
There are many different types of weight loss medications. Stimulants like phentermine have been used for decades, while a newer type of medication— GLP-1 receptor antagonists—has only been approved in the past few years.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health.Prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity.
Harvard Health.Understanding new weight loss drugs.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Wegovy prescribing information.
de Lemos JA, Linetzky B, le Roux CW, et al.Tirzepatide reduces 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in adults with body mass index ≥27 kg/m2: SURMOUNT-1 ambulatory blood pressure monitoring substudy.Hypertension. Published online February 5, 2024. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.22022
Alruwaili H, Dehestani B, le Roux C.Clinical impact of liraglutide as a treatment of obesity.Clin Pharmacol. 2021 Mar;13(1):53–60. doi:10.2147/CPAA.S276085
Food and Drug Administration.Qsymia label.
Food and Drug Administration.Contrave label.
Obesity Medicine Association.Top weight loss medications.
DailyMed.Label: Alli- orlistat capsule.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts of weight-loss surgery.
Obesity Medicine Association.Top weight loss medication.
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