Prescribed weight loss pills are medications approved by healthcare professionals to assist in weight management. These pills work by suppressing appetite, boosting metabolism, or reducing fat absorption. They are typically recommended for individuals with obesity or those at risk of obesity-related health issues. It’s important to use them under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
6 Safest And Most Effective Prescribed Weight Loss Pills
When it comes to prescribed weight loss pills, safety and effectiveness depend on various factors, including individual health conditions, lifestyle, and potential side effects. Here are some of the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications that are considered both effective and relatively safe for many people, under a doctor’s supervision.
1. Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
Effectiveness: Orlistat is a prescription medication that works by inhibiting the absorption of fat in the intestines. It blocks about 25% of the fat you consume from being absorbed into your body. This can lead to a modest weight loss of around 5-10% of your total body weight.
Safety: Orlistat is generally considered safe when taken as prescribed. However, it can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as oily stools, diarrhea, and flatulence, especially when you consume high-fat meals. This is because the drug works by blocking fat absorption. It’s also important to take a multivitamin because orlistat can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Who should use it: Orlistat is recommended for overweight individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater if they have other risk factors like diabetes or hypertension.
2. Phentermine
Effectiveness: Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that works by stimulating the release of certain chemicals in the brain that help control hunger. It is one of the most commonly prescribed weight loss drugs and has been shown to help patients lose an average of 5-10% of their body weight in the short term (up to 12 weeks).
Safety: Phentermine is considered safe for short-term use (typically 12 weeks). However, long-term use can increase the risk of side effects like elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, and anxiety. It should be avoided by people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of substance abuse. It can also cause insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, and nervousness.
Who should use it: Phentermine is typically prescribed to individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater if they have obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
3. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Effectiveness: Liraglutide is an injectable medication that mimics a hormone in your body (GLP-1) that helps regulate appetite and food intake. It has been shown to help people lose 5-10% of their body weight over the course of a year. It also helps to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, making it beneficial for those with both obesity and diabetes.
Safety: Liraglutide is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. In rare cases, it may increase the risk of thyroid tumors, so people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid it. It can also cause low blood sugar when used with other medications for diabetes.
Who should use it: Liraglutide is prescribed for overweight or obese individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater with obesity-related health issues such as diabetes or hypertension.
4. Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave)
Effectiveness: Contrave is a combination medication that works by targeting the brain’s reward system to reduce hunger and cravings (via naltrexone) and increasing energy and metabolism (via bupropion). It can help people lose 5-9% of their body weight when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Safety: Contrave can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and constipation. It is not recommended for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or alcohol/substance abuse due to the risk of triggering these conditions. It may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals.
Who should use it: Contrave is generally prescribed for people with a BMI of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater if they have obesity-related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol.
5. Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Effectiveness: Semaglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist like liraglutide but has been shown to be even more effective in promoting weight loss. It is given as a weekly injection and has been shown to help people lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight. It works by increasing satiety (feeling of fullness) and reducing hunger.
Safety: Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated, though it can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, especially when starting treatment. It also has a warning about potential thyroid tumors (though this is rare) and is not recommended for people with a history of thyroid cancer.
Who should use it: Semaglutide is prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater if they have obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes.
6. Topiramate (Qsymia)
Effectiveness: Topiramate is a seizure medication that, when combined with phentermine (as in Qsymia), can help suppress appetite and promote weight loss. People taking Qsymia can expect to lose about 5-10% of their body weight.
Safety: Topiramate is generally safe for short-term use but can cause side effects like dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, and tingling sensations in the hands and feet. In rare cases, it can cause memory problems or mood changes. Qsymia should not be used by women who are pregnant, as topiramate can increase the risk of birth defects.
Who should use it: Qsymia is typically prescribed to individuals who have a BMI of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater with obesity-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
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FAQs About Prescribed Weight Loss Pills
1. Are prescription diet pills safe?
Prescription diet pills can be safe when used under a doctor’s supervision, especially for individuals who have not had success with diet and exercise alone. However, they may have side effects, and their safety depends on the individual’s health condition, the type of medication, and proper usage.
2. What pills do doctors prescribe for weight loss?
Doctors may prescribe medications like Orlistat, Phentermine, Liraglutide, and Semaglutide for weight loss. These drugs work in various ways, such as reducing appetite or blocking fat absorption, but they should be used alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
3. How to qualify for prescription weight loss pills?
To qualify for prescription weight loss pills, you generally need to have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 with obesity-related health conditions like hypertension or diabetes. A doctor will assess your health history and determine if medication is appropriate.
4. Can a GP prescribe weight loss medication?
Yes, a General Practitioner (GP) can prescribe weight loss medication if they determine it’s appropriate for your health needs. They will evaluate your BMI, overall health, and previous weight loss efforts before recommending medication.
