Weight loss medications have become an essential part of managing obesity, particularly for individuals who struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. As of 2024, there are several weight loss drugs approved and available globally. Here’s an overview of these medications, their mechanisms, and effectiveness.
FDA-approved weight loss drugs
- Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
- Mechanism: Orlistat works by inhibiting dietary fat absorption in the intestines.
- Effectiveness: Clinical trials have shown that orlistat can help individuals lose 5-10% of their body weight.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like oily stools, flatulence, and frequent bowel movements.
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Mechanism: This combination drug reduces appetite and increases the feeling of fullness.
- Effectiveness: Studies indicate an average weight loss of 5-10% of body weight over one year.
- Common Side Effects: insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness, and tingling in hands and feet.
- Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
- Mechanism: This combination works on the central nervous system to reduce appetite and cravings.
- Effectiveness: Clinical trials have shown an average weight loss of 5-10% of body weight.
- Common Side Effects: Nausea, constipation, headache, and increased blood pressure.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Mechanism: Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and food intake.
- Effectiveness: Patients using Saxenda can achieve a weight loss of about 5-10% of their body weight.
- Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and low blood sugar.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy / Ozempic)
- Mechanism: Another GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide, is known for its potent appetite suppressing effects.
- Effectiveness: Studies have shown significant weight loss, with patients losing up to 15% of their body weight.
- Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and potential risk of thyroid tumours.
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
- Mechanism: This drug targets specific genetic obesity disorders by regulating the melanocortin-4 receptor.
- Effectiveness: Primarily used for rare genetic conditions, it shows substantial weight loss in affected individuals.
- Common Side Effects: injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, and nausea.
- Phendimetrazine (Bontril)
- Mechanism: An appetite suppressant that stimulates the central nervous system.
- Effectiveness: Generally used for short-term weight management, leading to modest weight loss.
- Common Side Effects: increased heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, and dry mouth.
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
- Mechanism: An appetite suppressant affects the central nervous system.
- Effectiveness: Similar to phendimetrazine, it is used for short-term weight loss.
- Common Side Effects: insomnia, nervousness, and dry mouth.
Emerging Weight Loss Medicines
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
- Mechanism: A dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Effectiveness: Early studies suggest significant weight loss, potentially exceeding other GLP-1 agonists.
- Common Side Effects: gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and vomiting.
- Cagrilintide
- Mechanism: An amylin analogue that works alongside GLP-1 agonists to enhance satiety.
- Effectiveness: Promising early results showing substantial weight loss when combined with GLP-1 drugs.
- Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, and potential hypoglycemia.
Over-the-Counter Options
- Alli (Orlistat)
- Mechanism: Similar to Xenical, it reduces the absorption of dietary fats.
- Effectiveness: moderate weight loss, typically around 5% of body weight.
- Common Side Effects: gastrointestinal discomfort, including oily stools and flatulence.
Safety and Efficacy
Generally, doctors prescribe weight loss medications when lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient. They are most effective when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. However, the safety profile of each medication varies, and potential side effects must be considered. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, central nervous system effects, and, in some cases, increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Conclusion
The development of new drugs and the improvement of existing ones continuously shape the landscape of weight loss medications. Individuals should tailor their medication choice, considering their health profile, comorbid conditions, and potential side effects. As research advances, we can expect even more effective and safer options to become available, providing hope for those struggling with obesity worldwide.
For a comprehensive list of available weight loss medications and detailed information about their mechanisms, effectiveness, and side effects, refer to reputable sources such as Drugs.com and Cleveland Clinic (Verywell Health) (Cleveland Clinic) (Drugs.com).
