What Weight Loss Pills Are FDA-Approved?
Prescription weight loss pills are medications that your doctor can prescribe to help you lose weight while they monitor your progress. These pills are designed to be used by individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, but people with a BMI of at least 27 can also be approved if they have health problems that are caused by their weight.
Weight loss pills can work in various ways, and some help by reducing your appetite or limiting the amount of fat your body can absorb, and some help you stay satisfied so you do not feel the need to eat as often. The weight loss pills that are approved by the FDA and have been shown to help with weight loss include:
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is the same active ingredient found in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus and is a part of a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. This means it copies a natural hormone that your body makes when you eat, which helps to streamline your digestion, manage your blood sugar, and slow down how fast your stomach empties. Semaglutide also helps reduce your appetite and curb those annoying food cravings that can make it hard to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Semaglutide was initially only available as an injection, but it is now available as an oral pill and marketed under the brand name Rybelsus. This pill version of semaglutide is currently approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes, and while not officially approved for weight loss, many doctors prescribe it “off label” for weight management. In clinical trials, individuals who were using 50 mg of oral semaglutide lost about 15% of their starting body weight in about a year and four months. The pill form of semaglutide comes with side effects similar to the injections which include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, etc.
Phentermine
Phentermine, is marketed under names like Adipex-P and Lomaira, and is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for weight loss. It comes in both tablet and capsule form but it can only be taken for a short period of time because it is hard on your system and can be addictive.
This medicine works by affecting your central nervous system, and helps to curb your appetite, which makes it easier to eat less and lose weight. People who take phentermine usually lose around 3 to 5 percent of their starting weight within about three months. It works best when combined with a lifestyle that revolves around healthy eating, regular exercise, and other lifestyle habits that promote weight loss. Like all other medications, it can cause side effects which include a faster heart rate, trouble sleeping, and dry mouth.
Qsymia
Qsymia is a daily pill that combines two different medications: phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is known for helping to control appetite, and topiramate is often used to treat seizures and migraines, but when they are used together, they have been shown to help with weight loss.
The clinical trials reported that people taking Qsymia can lose around 10 percent of their body weight in about 13 months. Like most medications, it can cause side effects which include dizziness, constipation, and a tingling feeling in the hands or feet.
Contrave
Contrave is a prescription pill that you take twice a day, and is made by combining naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone is usually used to treat alcohol or drug addiction, and bupropion is an antidepressant. When these medications are combined, they work on the part of your brain known as the reward center.
Your brain’s reward center is what makes you feel good when you experience things like eating tasty food, listening to music, laughing, or spending time with people you care about. But it also reacts to things like social media, screen time, alcohol, and other substances, which can lead to unhealthy habits and even addiction. Contrave helps manage cravings and cuts down your appetite by influencing this part of your brain.
Most people taking Contrave lose an average of between 5 and 9 percent of their starting weight in about 12 weeks. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and headaches.
Are There Weight Loss Pills That Work Better For Women?
Weight loss pills can be helpful for both men and women, but some have been shown to deliver especially good results in women. Everyone’s body is different, so how well a pill works can depend on the person. Some of the best weight loss pills for women include:
- Semaglutide: Known for its significant weight loss results, semaglutide works by reducing appetite, helping you feel full longer, and supporting major weight loss.
- Qsymia: A combination of phentermine and topiramate, Qsymia helps control cravings, keeps you feeling full, and reduces the temptation to snack or overeat.
- Contrave: Made from naltrexone and bupropion, Contrave is especially helpful for women who struggle with emotional eating, as it suppresses cravings and can also help improve mood.
If you are a woman looking for the right weight loss pill, Dr. Angelina at MySlimMed and her team of experts can help you make the best choice for your needs and circumstances.
What Is The Strongest Weight Loss Prescription Pill You Can Get Today?
When comparing the weight loss results achieved by individuals who were included in the clinical trials for the medications we have listed above, Rybelsus (semaglutide) is the number one weight loss pill and has helped individuals who have used it to lose more weight than any of the other options currently available today.
How Can I Find The Best Weight Loss Pill For Me?
Choosing the best weight loss pill for you will depend on your specific needs, weight loss goals, and the potential side effects you may experience. Dr. Angelina with MySlimMed can help you find the medication that will work best for you.
Weight loss injections that contain semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) have shown the most significant weight loss results, so if you are comfortable with self-administering the medication once a week, you may be interested in the MySlimMed automatic refill service. This service delivers your next installment of medication right to your doorstep and right on time.
If you would rather take your weight loss medication by mouth instead of through an injection, our experts in weight management will help you find the pill that will work best to help you reach your goals. Losing weight can make a huge difference in your health and improve metabolic conditions, improve your mobility and lower your risks of heart disease, stroke, and shortening your lifespan.
You do not have to figure it out on your own, because the experts at MySlimMed are ready to build a plan that is customized just for you. Take the first step by setting up your in-person or virtual consultation today.