Everything You Need to Know About Popular Weight Loss Drugs

Prescription weight loss drugs

The journey to weight loss can be a challenging one, and sometimes, diet and exercise alone may not be enough. For those who struggle with obesity or weight-related health issues, weight loss drugs may provide a helpful solution. Let’s look at a few of the most popular weight loss drugs, Saxenda, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Phentermine, Xenical, Contrave, and Ozempic, and explore how they work, their risks and benefits, and who might be a good candidate for each drug. Remember that body positivity and a healthy relationship with one’s body are crucial aspects of any weight loss journey.

1. Ozempic

How it works: Ozempic is an injectable medication, similar to Saxenda and Wegovy, that mimics the hormone GLP-1 to help regulate appetite and food intake.
Risks: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. It may also increase the risk of thyroid tumors and pancreatitis.
Benefits: Studies have shown that Ozempic can lead to significant weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program, as well as improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Ideal candidates: Ozempic is suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with weight-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes.
Not recommended for: Individuals with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, a history of pancreatitis, or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

2. Saxenda

How it works: Saxenda is an injectable medication that works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps to regulate appetite and food intake. This helps patients feel full sooner and reduces calorie consumption.
Risks: Some potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and increased heart rate.
Benefits: Studies have shown that Saxenda can lead to significant weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program.
Ideal candidates: Saxenda is suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or those with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) who also have weight-related health issues like hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
Not recommended for: Individuals with a history of pancreatitis, certain types of cancer, or thyroid disease.

3. Mounjaro

How it works: Mounjaro is an oral medication that works by slowing down the speed at which your stomach empties food into your intestine, resulting in reduced calorie intake.
Risks: Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, and indigestion.
Benefits: When combined with a low-fat diet and regular exercise, Mounjaro can aid in weight loss and improve blood lipid levels.
Ideal candidates: Mounjaro is best suited for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with weight-related health issues.
Not recommended for: Individuals with a history of gallbladder issues, kidney stones, or malabsorption syndromes.

4. Wegovy

How it works: Similar to Saxenda, Wegovy is an injectable medication that mimics the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake.
Risks: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. It may also increase the risk of gallbladder disease.
Benefits: Wegovy has been shown to result in significant weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program.
Ideal candidates: Wegovy is appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with weight-related health issues.
Not recommended for: Individuals with a history of pancreatitis or certain types of cancer.

5. Phentermine

How it works: Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that works by stimulating the release of brain chemicals that control hunger.
Risks: Some potential side effects include increased heart rate, dry mouth, insomnia, and constipation. It may also be habit-forming.
Benefits: Phentermine can help patients lose weight by reducing hunger and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Ideal candidates: Phentermine is suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with weight-related health issues.
Not recommended for: Individuals with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or glaucoma or those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications.

6. Xenical

How it works: Xenical is an oral medication that works by blocking the absorption of fat in the intestines.
Risks: Side effects can include oily spotting, flatulence, and abdominal cramps. It may also interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients.
Benefits: When combined with a low-fat diet and regular exercise, Xenical can aid in weight loss and improve blood lipid levels.
Ideal candidates: Xenical is best suited for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with weight-related health issues.
Not recommended for: Individuals with a history of gallbladder issues, kidney stones, or malabsorption syndromes.

7. Contrave

How it works: Contrave is a combination of two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, which work together to suppress appetite and reduce food cravings.
Risks: Some potential side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, and insomnia. It may also increase the risk of seizures and suicidal thoughts.
Benefits: Contrave can help patients lose weight by reducing appetite and food cravings when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program.
Ideal candidates: Contrave is suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with weight-related health issues.
Not recommended for: Individuals with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or those taking certain medications.

Successful weight loss requires a holistic approach

When it comes to weight loss, consider taking a holistic approach that promotes your overall health and wellness to ensure longterm sustainability. This could involve adopting healthier eating habits, incorporating regular exercise into your life, and using weight loss drugs when appropriate to achieve your health and fitness goals. Non-and minimally-invasive body contouring and cosmetic treatments like CoolSculpting, Thermage, dermal fillers, and RF microneedling can further support your weight loss journey by complementing your results (though it’s important to note that these treatments don’t specifically aid in weight loss).

CoolSculpting eliminates stubborn fat cells that are resistant to diet and exercise by using controlled cooling. The process, called cryolipolysis, targets and and freezes fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from the body. CoolSculpting can complement your weight loss journey when combined with a healthy diet, and regular exercise, as well as with weight loss drugs. What we love about CoolSculpting is that it’s great for spot reduction of fat compared to weight loss drugs, which generally reduce fat but aren’t specific to one area of the body.

Thermage results in tighter, firmer skin that can help improve the appearance of loose skin after weight loss by using radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production. RF Microneedling can also tighten and improve the texture of the skin, especially crepey skin that’s due to fat loss. And, if you’re looking to restore volume to your face after losing a significant amount of weight, dermal fillers can help. Remember, the goal is to foster a positive relationship with your body and achieve long-term, sustainable results for a healthier and happier you.

Want to learn more about CoolSculpting and other non-invasive body contouring treatments? Check out LaserAway, the nation’s leading aesthetic dermatological provider, where all treatments are performed by registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or physician associates, so you can trust that you are in good hands.

References

“Cryolipolysis: A Promising Nonsurgical Technique for Localized Fat Reduction,” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, November 21, 2023.
“New Technologies in Skin Tightening,” Facial Plastics, October 11, 2021.
“Top Weight Loss Medications,” Obesity Medicine Association, January 24, 2024.