Introduction Are you looking to finally lose those stubborn extra pounds? You’re not alone. Nearly 75% of American adults are carrying excess weight and want to slim down.
But changing long-term eating patterns is really hard. That’s why so many people turn to a comparison of weight loss medications. These pills make it easier to cut calories and shed pounds.
However, with so many options to choose from, finding the right obesity drug for your needs can feel overwhelming!
Our goal is to empower you to pick the perfect product to reach your weight goals! Let’s dive in…
How Do Weight Loss Drugs Work?
There are a few main mechanisms:
1. Suppressing Appetite- Some drugs reduce hunger and food cravings, helping people eat less overall.
2. Increasing Metabolism- Other pills speed up the rate calories are burned, creating a daily deficit.
3. Blocking Fat Absorption- Special compounds can prevent dietary fats from being digested and absorbed into the body.
4. Balancing Hormones- Certain medications regulate hormones involved in hunger, satiety, and metabolism.
Now let’s explore today’s top solutions in more detail!
| Drug | Active Ingredient | How It Works | Expected Weight Loss | Cost per Month |
| Xenical | Orlistat | Blocks absorption of dietary fats | 5-10% total body weight | $100-$200 |
| Contrave | Bupropion + naltrexone | Suppresses appetite and cravings | 5-10% total body weight | $55-$200 |
| Qsymia | Phentermine + topiramate | Suppresses appetite and increases metabolism | 8-10% total body weight | $200-$300 |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Suppresses appetite and balances hormones | 5-10% total body weight | $1,200-$1,500 |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Suppresses appetite and balances hormones | 15-20% total body weight | $1,300-$1,500 |
Below we’ll overview what makes each medication unique.
Xenical
- Xencical’s active compound is orlistat. It works by blocking enzymes needed to digest and absorb fat.
- About one third of calories from fat eaten are removed from the body instead of stored.
- Xenical is taken 3 times per day with meals containing fat. This helps maximize fat blocking effects.
- Common side effects are oily stools, diarrhea, abdominal pain and uncontrolled pooping. So proximity to a toilet is a must!
Contrave
- Contrave combines 2 generic drug compounds: bupropion (a stimulant) and naltrexone (an opiod antagonist).
- It regulates appetite signaling in the brain to reduce hunger and cravings for food.
- Many users experience enhanced mood, focus and energy levels.
- Potential side effects include headache, dizziness, constipation, vomiting and insomnia.
Qsymia
- Qsymia combines 2 older weight loss compounds: phentermine (an amphetamine-like stimulant) and topiramate (an anticonvulsant).
- Working together they suppress appetite substantially while speeding up resting metabolic rate.
- Many people struggle with side effects like tingling hands and feet, memory issues, concentration problems and strange tastes in the mouth. Monitoring by a doctor is essential.
Saxenda
- Saxenda contains liraglutide, an incretin mimetic that mimics natural appetite regulation hormones.
- Besides suppressing hunger and increasing satiety, Saxenda helps stabilize blood sugars and lower A1C.
- Saxenda requires daily self-injection. Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and gallstone formation.
Wegovy
- Wegovy’s active ingredient, semaglutide, helps appetite regulation by activating receptors in the brain and GI tract.
- In studies, over 2⁄3 of subjects on Wegovy lost >15% of their total body weight (most weight loss of any obesity drug).
- Like Saxenda, Wegovy requires daily injections. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Making Your Pick: Key Decision Factors
Choosing among leading weight loss meds involves weighing benefits vs downsides across several categories:
Effectiveness
How much total weight loss is realistic to expect? Wegovy generally results in the most dramatic slim down, while Xenical is on the lower end.
Safety
What are the short and long-term health implications? Contrave and Xenical have the best safety profiles. Wegovy, Saxenda, and Qsymia have more concerns due to their pharmacological potency.
Cost
Out-of-pocket costs range widely from $55/month (Contrave) up to $1500/month (Wegovy). Only some insurance plans cover these drugs.
Side Effects
All obesity meds have some unwanted effects. Assess if you can tolerate incretin downsides like diarrhea or stimulant issues like insomnia or hand tingling.
Route of Administration
Are you comfortable with swallowing pills or doing daily self-injections? If needle-phobic, oral options like Xenical or Contrave may be best.
Lifestyle Changes Required
To see lasting success, all programs require adopting healthier long-term eating habits. But some drugs make this transition easier than others.
The Bottom Line Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy. But adding pharmaceutical support significantly boosts your chances of finally hitting your goals!
