How Do Semaglutide and Phentermine Compare?
Both phentermine and semaglutide are prescription medications that can help you lose weight, but they are very different. Here is an overview of each of these medications and how they work.
Phentermine for Weight Loss
Phentermine is a prescription medication that helps reduce appetite and give you an increase in energy. It has been approved by the FDA since 1959 to be used short-term for weight management. It is designed to work best when used alongside a healthy diet and daily exercise under a doctor’s supervision. It is administered in pill, capsule format, and also dissolving tablets that are placed under your tongue.
How Phentermine Works
Phentermine influences the chemicals in your brain that help control hunger, so it acts as an appetite suppressant, so you feel full faster while eating smaller portions. It also boosts your dopamine and serotonin levels to help improve your mood and reduce emotional eating, which makes it easier for you to stay on the right track. Phentermine is designed to be used for short amounts of time and can only be used for 12 consecutive months.
Who Can Take Phentermine
Phentermine may be an option for you if you:
- Are at least 17 years old;
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher;
- Have a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health issues like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Phentermine is not a good choice for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health issues such as heart disease, glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid.
How Much Weight Can You Lose on Phentermine?
Research shows us that most people who use phentermine for weight loss lose an average of 5% to 10% of their starting body weight after about 12 weeks. This would mean that someone who started using phentermine weighing 200 pounds could lose about 10 to 20 pounds when following their treatment plan consistently.
Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Semaglutide has become a very popular weight loss medication these days because it is easy to use and is taken by injection, which is only administered once a week. It was originally developed and marketed under the name brand Ozempic to help individuals with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. It is now FDA-approved to help individuals manage their weight by regulating their appetite and optimizing their metabolism, and marketed as the brand name Wegovy.
How Semaglutide Works
Semaglutide copies a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is naturally made by your body and released into your digestive system when you eat. It helps to balance your blood sugar levels, suppress your appetite, and keep you feeling full for a longer time. It is designed for long-term use, so it is often a better choice than a short-term drug like phentermine.
How Much Weight Can You Lose on Semaglutide?
Individuals using semaglutide during a supervised weight loss program can expect to lose an average of around 15% to 20% of their body weight in about a year. That means that a person who begins their weight loss journey at 200 pounds could lose between 30 and 40 pounds when combining semaglutide and healthy lifestyle choices.
A Comparison Chart of Semaglutide and Phentermine
to see the entire table
| Phentermine | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Medication | A stimulant-based appetite suppressant | A hormone-based metabolism optimizer that copies natural GLP-1 |
| How It Works | Reduces your appetite and increases your energy level. | Copies a digestive hormone that is naturally produced by your body to slow digestion, reduce hunger, and help control blood sugar. |
| Average Weight Loss | 5%–10% of body weight in a year | 15%–20% of body weight in a year |
| How It Is Administered | Oral tablet taken once daily | Weekly injection or daily oral tablet (depending on the form) |
| Recommended Length of Use | Short-term (up to 12 weeks) | Long-term (months to years under medical supervision) |
| Best For | Jumpstarting weight loss or breaking a plateau. | Gradual, slower, steady weight loss and weight maintenance. |
| Common Side Effects | Dry mouth, insomnia, increased heart rate | Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset which are normally temporary while your body adjusts to the medication. |
| FDA Approval | Approved since 1959 for short-term weight loss. | Approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy® |
| Medical Supervision Needed | Yes, because phentermine can be addictive. | Yes, to monitor blood sugar and other labs and to safely guide dosage adjustments. |
| Ideal Candidate | People at least 18 years of age with a BMI of over 30 or over 27 with weight-related health conditions. | People at least 18 years of age with a BMI of over 30 or over 27 with weight-related health conditions |
How Do You Choose the Weight Loss Medication That Is Best for You?
Both phentermine and semaglutide offer weight loss results, but the one that will work the best for you will depend on your specific circumstances, which could include your current health, any underlying conditions you may have, your age, lifestyle, etc.
The best way to determine the appropriate medical intervention to help you with weight loss is to work with an expert in weight management like Dr. Angelina of MySlimMed. She and her team understand the complexities of weight loss and that there is no one perfect solution that works for everyone.
Everyone is different, and your body will not respond the same to weight loss medication as someone else’s, so what might work great for your friend may not work for you at all. Dr. Angelina can look at your current health, medical history, and previous weight loss attempts and help you choose the medication that will work best for your circumstances. She and her team can create a plan to help you lose weight that is tailored specifically for you and your lifestyle.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Health Today
Phentermine sometimes offers quicker short-term results and is taken orally, so it may be preferable for those who do not wish to take injections. Semaglutide can help you lose weight gradually and maintain your results into the future. If you are ready to take control of your weight and get serious about improving your health, Dr. Angelina Postoev and her team at MySlimMed are ready to support you in reaching your goals.
Schedule a consultation to find out which weight loss medication or if another treatment may be right for you to help you succeed on your weight loss journey.
FAQs
Can You Take Semaglutide and Phentermine Together?
Yes, in some cases your doctor may prescribe semaglutide and phentermine for you to take together to make it easier to control your appetite and make it easier to lose weight. These two medications work differently, so when combined appropriately, they can boost your weight loss results. Do not attempt to combine these weight loss drugs on your own, and work with a qualified weight loss doctor to ensure your safety.
How to Speed Up Weight Loss on Semaglutide?
You will get the best results with semaglutide when you combine the medication with healthy lifestyle choices like eating a high-protein, low-sugar diet, staying well hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. And follow your doctor-supervised weight loss plan.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Phentermine or Semaglutide?
Weight loss drugs work in different ways, but you want to make sure you are not consuming foods or beverages that counteract the benefits that these drugs are providing. You should avoid alcohol, large amounts of caffeine, and other types of stimulant medications unless approved by your doctor. It is also best not to skip meals, to avoid processed foods, and not to try to follow crash diets, because this will backfire and slow down your metabolism, making your medication less effective, and it will be harder for you to lose weight.
