Types of Weight Loss Medications: Comparing Options (2024)

Medications for weight loss have been getting a lot of attention lately, and more people are looking into them. Eight types of weight loss medications that are approved to treat obesity and overweight.

The best weight loss pills depend on your goals and unique circ*mstances, and it can take some time to find weight loss pills that actually work for you. Finding a prescription weight loss treatment can involve considering the medication's side effects, cost, availability, and impact on your health.

Continue reading to learn more about the types of weight loss medications and how to find one that works for you.

Weight Loss Medications Listed by Drug Class

The various types of weight loss medications work in different ways. If one type of medicine doesn’t work for you, another might. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of weight loss medications.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

The GLP-1 receptor agonists are the newest class of weight loss drugs, and they are receiving lots of attention. They work by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which releases insulin after you eat and sends a signal to the brain that you are full. They also slow down the action of the gut, to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

GLP-1 inhibitors are popular because research shows they create a greater weight loss than other medications. Many people look at them as weight loss pills that actually work.

The approved GLP-1 receptor antagonists are:

• Wegovy (semaglutide), a once-weekly injection, has the same active ingredient as Ozempic, which is approved to treat type-2 diabetes but not weight loss. The average weight loss after 68 weeks on Wegovy is 15.8% of body weight.
• Zepbound (tirzepatide), a once-weekly injection, has the same active ingredient as the diabetes treatment Mounjaro and can lead to an 18% weight loss.
• Saxenda (liraglutide), a daily injection, has the same active ingredient as the diabetes drug Victoza and can lead to a 5% weight loss.

Stimulants

Stimulants have a long history of being used for weight loss. COne stimulant approved for weight loss is Qsymia.

This medication's two active ingredients are phentermine, a medication similar to amphetamines, and topiramate, an anti-seizure medication. Together, they reduce appetite, and can lead to a weight loss of 5% to 10% of body weight within a year.

Phentermine has been used for decades, and it is the most widely-prescribed weight loss treatment.

Opioid Antagonist Combination Pills

Contrave is a weight loss pill that has two active ingredients: naltrexone, an opioid-antagonist, which is used to treat substance use disorder, and bupropion, an antidepressant that also helps people stop smoking.

The combination of the two can decrease cravings and keep you feeling full for longer. People taking Contrave usually lose about 5% of their body weight. About 1 in 5 people taking it lose 10% of their body weight.

Diet Pills That Impact Fat

Some diet pills work by limiting the amount of fat that your body can absorb or how it forms fat deposits. Within this category, there are two types of weight loss pills, including an over-the-counter option, which are:

• Lipase inhibitors slow down the absorption of fat in the gut. Coupled with a low-fat diet, they can facilitate weight loss of up to 5%. Alli is an over-the-counter pill that’s taken three times daily, with your meals. Xenical (orlistat) is a prescription lipase inhibitor.
• Imcivree (setmelanotide), is a melanocortin receptor agonist that’s used to treat excess weight in people who have three specific, rare genetic conditions. It leads to a weight loss of about 10%.

How to Afford Weight Loss Medications

Weight loss medications can be very expensive, especially GLP-1 inhibitors, which cost about $1,000 per month. Many insurers do not cover these medications, or require you to try other weight loss pills first before approving them. Because of this, many people try a lower-cost weight loss treatment instead.That siad, many of them may offer patient assistance programs with certain insurance plans.

There are no generic forms of these pills. However, compounding pharmacies offer medications with the same active ingredients at a lower monthly cost. These pharmacies are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, so there’s some risk in trying them.

If you’re not able or willing to pay, you can consider different treatments for obesity.Weight loss surgery is often covered by insurance, which is one benefit that it has over prescription treatments.

Comparing Types of Weight Loss Medications

When you’re deciding what weight loss medication is right for you, consider these factors:

• Cost: The GLP-1 receptor antagonists are the most expensive weight loss medications, while other options may be more affordable. Check your insurance for patient assistance programs, as these may help keep costs down.
• Effectiveness: The average weight loss with GLP-1 receptor antagonists is greater than that with other medications. However, not everyone will have the same success with them.
• Side effects: Many weight loss medications have side effects. Side effects of GLP-1 receptor antagonists include nausea and stomach pain. Contrave and Qsymia can cause dizziness and other symptoms. Always review the list of side effects and consider which you’re willing to tolerate and which you can’t live with. Keep in mind that not everyone will experience side effects.
• Safety: While no drug is entirely safe, this means that federal regulators have decided that the potential benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks. Remember that compounding pharmacies are not regulated by the FDA, so they carry an additional safety risk.

How to Ask About Prescription Weight Loss Medications

Talking about weight can be awkward, but remember, having a higher BMI is nothing to be ashamed about. Your healthcare provider will be happy to talk with you about this medical treatment for chronic obesity.

It can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the criteria for prescribing weight loss medications. Most are recommended for people who:

• Have a BMI of at least 30
• Have a BMI of 27 with an additional medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

Remember, your healthcare provider is there to work for you, and should not judge you for asking about these medications.

Summary

There are many different types of weight loss medications. Stimulants like phentermine have been used for decades, while a newer type of medication— GLP-1 receptor antagonists—has only been approved in the past few years.

GLP-1 receptor antagonists have a high average weight loss, but they’re very expensive and often not covered by insurance. Do your research and talk with your healthcare provider as you consider whether weight loss medications are right for you, and which one might be best.