Exploring Weight Loss Medicines: What Are Your Options?

Exploring Weight Loss Medicines: What Are Your Options?

There is an overgrowing demand for weight loss medications, and people tend to explore different options of the medication that will fit best according to the individual’s bodily conditions. These medications can help alongside the exercise and balanced diet to reduce the significant amount of weight in a short amount of time. The selection of a weight loss medicine can be a tricky thing, as there are multiple aspects to foresee, like the effectiveness, types, mechanisms, benefits, and the potential risks it may cause.

weight loss medicine

The Role of Weight Loss Medicines

Weight loss medicines are the prescribed medications that help the individuals dealing with obesity and weight-related health conditions. The Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation is necessary to understand the weight-related issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.

Types of Weight Loss Medicines

There are two categories of weight loss medicines. One is prescription based and the other can be obtained from over the counter (OTC).

  1. Prescription Medicines:

Some of the medications are supposed to be prescribed by the licensed medical consultant due to the effects and taking into account any conditions related to the body.

  • Orlistat: It’s both a prescription-based medicine that comes with the name Xenical and an OTC version as well with a lower dosage with the name Alli. They help in reducing the absorption of fat by 30% and weight loss.

  • Qsymia: The medication Phentermine-Topiramate is sold under the name of Qsymia. The mechanism results in lowering the food intake by reducing the appetite; this is caused by phentermine, whereas topiramate aids in giving the feeling of fullness. combination medication suppresses appetite and increases the feeling of fullness.
  • The negative effects this medication may cause include dry mouth, insomnia, and dizziness.

  • Saxenda: The active component in Saxenda is Liraglutide, which is the analogue of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide). The main purpose of this drug is to regulate hunger and calorie intake by reaching the activated neurons or other parts of the brain that are involved in giving the feeling of hunger. The basic side effects are nausea, vomiting, and potential thyroid issues.

  • Wegovy: The active component in the Wegovy weight loss injection is semaglutide, which is a weekly-based injection with multiple dosage options. It also helps in regulating hunger by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. Wegovy is normally taken once weekly and has shown quite promising outcomes in clinical trials. Wegovy weight loss medicine has the ability to reduce 15% of the body weight.

  • Mounjaro: Same as the Wegovy, Mounjaro weight loss injections also help in reducing the appetite and making an individual feel fuller. The receptor agonist includes GIP and GLP-1. These agonists also mimic the body hormone, which ultimately helps in the reduction of waste. It also increases sensitivity of insulin. Mounjaro weight loss medicine has the ability to reduce 20% of the body weight.

  1. Over-the-Counter Options:

There are accessible OTC weight loss pills and supplements, whose efficacy and safety vary widely:

  • Caffeine-Constituted Supplement: Boost the metabolism and energy level, giving the benefits of a temporary spike in calorie burn.

  • Green Tea Extract: This extract is thought to enhance fat burning through its actions as an antioxidant, as well as its consumption in the preparation of food.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Just like many other medications, weight reduction medications also have their certain inherent dangers and side effects. These side effects may be as mild as some gastrointestinal discomfort, cardiovascular effects, or psychological effects, like mood changes or anxiety, or they could be life-threatening. In the great majority of cases, the use of such drugs presents a risk for the development of dependence or abuse, particularly with appetite suppressants.

Who Should Avoid Weight Loss Medicines?

There are certain individuals that cannot take any weight loss medication. For instance, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and individuals who have any medical condition like heart diseases, hypertension, and eating disorders.