Achieving weight loss goals can be a challenging journey for many individuals. While diet and exercise play crucial roles in shedding pounds, some people find it helpful to incorporate weight loss drugs to assist in their efforts. Canada offers various weight loss drugs, with each targeting different aspects of weight management. This article aims to highlight the six best weight loss drugs available in Canada, providing a comprehensive understanding of how they work, their benefits, and how they can support your weight loss goals.
6 Best FAD-approved Weight Loss Pills in Canada
1. Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
Orlistat is one of the most well-known weight loss medications in Canada. It works by inhibiting the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fat in your digestive system. By blocking this enzyme, Orlistat prevents about one-third of the fat you consume from being absorbed by your body. The undigested fat is then eliminated through your stool.
How Orlistat Works:
Orlistat is most effective when combined with a low-fat, low-calorie diet. Since the medication reduces fat absorption, consuming too much fat while on the drug may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as oily stools, flatulence, and diarrhea.
Benefits of Orlistat:
Proven Weight Loss Results: Clinical trials have shown that Orlistat can help individuals lose an additional 5 to 10 percent of their body weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Improved Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that Orlistat can help improve blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Long-Term Use: Orlistat is approved for long-term use, allowing individuals to maintain weight loss over time.
Considerations:
While Orlistat can be highly effective, it is essential to follow a balanced diet to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, it is important to take multivitamins to avoid nutrient deficiencies since fat-soluble vitamins may not be absorbed properly while on the drug.
2. Phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin)
Phentermine is a prescription weight loss medication often used for short-term weight management. It is a stimulant that works by suppressing appetite, making you feel full and reducing food cravings. Phentermine is typically prescribed to individuals who are obese or overweight and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
How Phentermine Works:
Phentermine acts by stimulating the central nervous system, causing the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that reduces hunger. By increasing the availability of norepinephrine, phentermine helps decrease appetite and, as a result, reduces calorie intake.
Benefits of Phentermine:
Effective Appetite Suppression: Phentermine is highly effective in reducing hunger and cravings, which can help individuals stick to a calorie-restricted diet.
Short-Term Solution: For those who need quick results, phentermine can be used as a short-term weight loss tool, typically prescribed for a few weeks.
Boost in Energy: Phentermine can also increase energy levels, making it easier to engage in physical activity and exercise, which supports weight loss efforts.
Considerations:
Phentermine is intended for short-term use and should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Long-term use can lead to dependency or side effects like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and insomnia. It is not suitable for individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of substance abuse.
3. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide, marketed as Saxenda, is a weight loss medication that works by mimicking the action of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels, slows gastric emptying, and promotes feelings of fullness. Saxenda is injected and is used for long-term weight management in individuals who are obese or overweight.
How Liraglutide Works:
Liraglutide works by stimulating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which helps control appetite and food intake. By slowing gastric emptying, Saxenda makes individuals feel fuller for a longer period after eating, reducing the need to snack between meals.
Benefits of Liraglutide:
Appetite Regulation: Saxenda has been shown to reduce hunger and cravings, helping individuals stick to a reduced-calorie diet.
Improved Weight Loss Results: Clinical studies have demonstrated that individuals taking Saxenda can lose more weight than those using lifestyle interventions alone.
Proven Long-Term Effectiveness: Saxenda can be used for long-term weight management, as it does not lose its effectiveness over time when used correctly.
Considerations:
Common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is important to gradually increase the dosage to minimize these side effects. Individuals with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer should not use Saxenda.
4. Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave)
Contrave is a combination medication containing bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, a medication used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. The combination of these two drugs works synergistically to control appetite and reduce food cravings, making it an effective weight loss solution.
How Bupropion/Naltrexone Works:
Bupropion works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps reduce hunger. Naltrexone, on the other hand, blocks the brain’s reward system and reduces cravings for food, particularly high-calorie, rewarding foods.
Benefits of Bupropion/Naltrexone:
Dual Mechanism of Action: By combining the effects of bupropion and naltrexone, Contrave works on both appetite suppression and cravings, providing a more comprehensive approach to weight loss.
Clinically Proven Effectiveness: Studies have shown that Contrave can lead to significant weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Mood Improvement: Bupropion can also help improve mood, making it beneficial for individuals who experience emotional eating.
Considerations:
Contrave should be avoided by individuals with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or alcohol or drug dependence. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and constipation.
5. Semaglutide (Ozempic)
Semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Ozempic, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Like liraglutide, it works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
How Semaglutide Works:
Semaglutide works by increasing insulin production when blood sugar levels are high and reducing appetite. This leads to reduced food intake, and over time, individuals experience weight loss.
Benefits of Semaglutide:
Significant Weight Loss: Clinical trials have shown that individuals using semaglutide can lose a substantial amount of weight, making it one of the most effective weight loss medications available.
Dual Benefits: Semaglutide can help manage type 2 diabetes while promoting weight loss, making it a great option for individuals dealing with both conditions.
Improved Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
Considerations:
Semaglutide is typically administered via weekly injections. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and potential risk of thyroid tumors. It should not be used by individuals with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.
6. Topiramate (Topamax)
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant drug that has been found to promote weight loss as a secondary effect. It works by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, which can lead to a decrease in overall calorie intake.
How Topiramate Works:
Topiramate works by affecting the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, including the regulation of appetite and food cravings. By altering how the brain responds to hunger signals, it helps reduce food intake.
Benefits of Topiramate:
Appetite Suppression: Topiramate can significantly reduce appetite, helping individuals consume fewer calories throughout the day.
Support for Other Weight Loss Treatments: Often used in combination with other medications, such as phentermine, topiramate can enhance weight loss results.
No Need for Diet Adjustments: Unlike some weight loss drugs, Topiramate works primarily by altering brain chemistry, requiring minimal changes to diet and lifestyle.
Considerations:
Topiramate can cause side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and memory issues. It is also not suitable for individuals with a history of kidney stones or glaucoma.
Conclusion
In Canada, a variety of weight loss drugs are available to assist individuals on their weight loss journey. Whether you are seeking a medication that suppresses appetite, inhibits fat absorption, or regulates blood sugar, there is a solution that can meet your needs. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication to ensure it is the right choice for you. Weight loss drugs can be most effective when used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, providing a comprehensive approach to achieving long-term success.
FAQs
1. What is the best pill to lose weight fast?
There is no single “best” pill for weight loss as effectiveness and safety vary from person to person. However, several FDA-approved weight loss medications have shown promising results for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight issues. These include:
Orlistat (Alli, Xenical): A fat-blocking medication that reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs from food. It can help with modest weight loss but may cause digestive side effects.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): A combination medication that suppresses appetite and helps you feel full for longer. It’s effective, but it can have side effects like increased heart rate and risk of depression.
Liraglutide (Saxenda): A medication that works by mimicking a hormone that tells your brain you’re full. It’s an injectable drug, not a pill, and is effective for weight loss, but may cause nausea.
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave): A combination drug that affects brain chemicals involved in hunger and cravings. It may help with weight loss but has potential side effects like increased risk of seizures in some individuals.
Before considering weight loss pills, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to assess the risks and benefits based on your health history.
2. What is the new weight loss drug better than Ozempic?
One of the newer weight loss drugs that has garnered attention as potentially more effective than Ozempic (semaglutide) is Wegovy. Wegovy is also a semaglutide-based medication, but it’s specifically approved for weight management. Wegovy is used to treat obesity and has shown significant weight loss results in clinical trials, helping people lose up to 15% of their body weight.
Another newer medication is Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which has been shown to produce even greater weight loss than Ozempic and Wegovy in clinical studies. Mounjaro works by targeting two different hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite, making it effective in promoting weight loss.
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are newer options to Ozempic, but they may not be suitable for everyone, and they should be used under medical supervision.
3. What are the dangers of weight loss drugs?
While weight loss drugs can be effective, they come with potential risks and side effects. Some of the common dangers include:
Digestive issues: Medications like Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, bloating, and oily stools.
Cardiovascular risks: Some appetite-suppressing medications (e.g., phentermine) can increase heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of heart disease.
Mental health concerns: Certain medications (like Contrave) may cause mood changes, anxiety, or even depression. There is also a risk of suicidal thoughts in some individuals.
Nausea and vomiting: Drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort, particularly when first starting the medication.
Liver and kidney damage: Long-term use of weight loss drugs, particularly those not FDA-approved or used improperly, can potentially harm your liver or kidneys.
Dependence and abuse: Some weight loss medications that suppress appetite (e.g., phentermine) have the potential for misuse or dependence.
