Weight gain can occur due to genetic conditions, poor lifestyle choices (e.g., a sedentary lifestyle), or poor eating habits. When left unchecked, it may cause a great deal of unhealthy effects on the human body.

Excessive weight gain is an increasingly common problem among Americans, and it can be challenging to get the weight off in healthy ways. There are several popular weight loss treatments, but our focus today will be on the most effective weight loss drugs. These medications are not intended to be a quick fix to obesity — instead, they are meant to be used alongside lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Before examining a few common medications, it’s important to understand the categories they fall into. The most common categories include:

• GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists
• Lipase inhibitors
• Appetite suppressants
• Stimulants
• Gastrointestinal agents

Let’s discuss a few of the top drug options within these categories. 

Tirzepatide 

Tirzepatide, which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, works on the GLP-1 and GIP receptors that control appetite and blood sugar levels in the body. It supports better glycemic control and aids in weight reduction like other diabetic drugs, namely semaglutide, although it’s a more efficient option. 

Tirzepatide dosing begins at a lower level but can be increased over time. This helps the patients manage their blood sugar, tolerance, and weight more efficiently. 

Using Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

Tirzepatide is often prescribed for two main reasons: the fight against obesity or managing diabetes. It’s quite effective in both cases.

The clinical trials that have been conducted on tirzepatide show that patients have lost between 16.5% – 22.4% of their body weight over an average span of 72 weeks. Of course, this outcome depends on the dose given to the patients. In some cases, the higher the dose, the more weight loss occurs. 

Side Effects of Tirzepatide 

Most drugs, especially those used for weight loss, come with possible side effects. For tirzepatide, a major side effect is extreme loss of appetite. However, this is considered a beneficial side effect since it promotes weight loss.

More side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea could occur. Other unpopular but serious side effects might have long-lasting effects on the patients, such as pancreatitis, acute kidney disease, and gallbladder issues. It’s important to pay attention to any symptoms that occur and contact your doctor when these appear or persist.

Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsmia) 

The FDA approved Qsymia (the brand product of phentermine and topiramate) for chronic weight management in overweight adults who were suffering from either hypertension or type 2 diabetes. It is an appetite supressant. 

This approval aimed to help patients reduce the calories in their diet and increase their body’s ability to metabolize fat. Because this drug was so effective, it was later approved for children aged 12 and older. 

Using Qsymia for Weight Loss

Phentermine and topiramate are the drug components and constituents of Qsymia. Phentermine suppresses appetite, while topiramate helps to enhance nourishment. Their exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it works either way.

Phentermine is believed to increase metabolism while suppressing appetite, and topiramate suppresses appetite by using neurotransmitters to aid this function. Qsymia is meant to be orally administered to patients. 

Qsymia dosing is carefully structured to balance its efficiency while managing potential side effects.

Side Effects of Qsymia

Drugs like Qsymia have been reported to have notable side effects in some patients. The most common ones include constipation, paresthesia, and dry mouth for patients who take higher doses of this drug.

These side effects may differ in each individual. Other notable symptoms like insomnia, dizziness, dysgeusia (alteration in taste), and back pain may occur. Patients need to communicate with their doctors about the side effects they observe while taking Qsymia, especially if they become severe.

Monitoring and adjusting the dosage can help mitigate these side effects. Also, it is important to note that taking Qsymia can cause harm to the fetus during pregnancy, so female patients have to ensure that they are not pregnant before commencing treatment.

Setmelanotide

The FDA approved the use of Setmelanotide (found in the brand name Imcivree) to treat children aged 6 years and above who suffer from obesity due to the rare genetic condition Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. Imcivree helps these patients lose and maintain their weight. It is the first FDA-approved treatment for these genetic conditions and belongs to a class of medications called melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptor agonists. 

Using Setmelanotide for Weight Loss

Setmelanotide’s active ingredients work by targeting specific pathways in the brain that regulate hunger and energy balance. Before starting Imcivree, patients need to discuss their full medical history with their healthcare provider.

The dosing regimen for Imcivree is a vital part of achieving effective weight management while minimizing the risk of side effects.

Side Effects of Setmelanotide

Some side effects of taking Setmelanotide include irregular sexual function, such as spontaneous penile erections in men and unwanted arousal in women. Other symptoms like depression and skin pigmentation may also occur. 

Final Thoughts 

The medications listed here are only the tip of the iceberg — there are a number of other options available to tackle different aspects of weight loss and obesity, such as:

• Orlistat
• Semaglutide
• Metformin
• Liraglutide
• Bupropion-naltrexone
• Hydrogel

The best medication for your needs will depend on factors like age, the presence of any co-occurring health conditions, lifestyle choices, and health goals. If you’re interested in trying prescription drugs for weight loss, set up an appointment with one of our doctors today to find out what may be right for you.