The Top 10 Most Commonly Prescribed Weight Loss Drugs
The introduction of semaglutide drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, specifically used for weight management, has drawn much attention to the options available for weight loss, drug or otherwise. Here we focus on the top 10 most commonly prescribed weight loss drugs. These medications are often prescribed to help manage obesity and related health conditions when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient. Here are the top 10 most commonly prescribed weight loss drugs, their mechanisms of action, and who they are typically prescribed to:
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Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira)
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Mechanism: Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system, similar to amphetamines.
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Prescribed To: Short-term use for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Faster heart rate, nervousness, sleeplessness, constipation
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Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
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Mechanism: Orlistat works by inhibiting the enzyme lipase, which reduces the absorption of dietary fats by about 30%.
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Prescribed To: Long-term use for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Stomach pain, passing gas, loose stools, more frequent bowel movements
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Lorcaserin (Belviq)
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Mechanism: Lorcaserin activates serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing food intake.
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Prescribed To: Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions. (Note: Belviq was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2020 due to cancer risk concerns, but it was widely prescribed before its withdrawal.)
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Side Effects: Faster heart rate, nausea, fatigue, common cold symptoms, bladder and urination issues
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Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)
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Mechanism: Combines phentermine, an appetite suppressant, with topiramate, a medication that promotes a feeling of fullness and reduces appetite.
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Prescribed To: Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Chest discomfort, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, mood changes
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Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)
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Mechanism: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, and bupropion is an antidepressant. Together, they affect the brain's reward system and appetite regulation.
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Prescribed To: Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Faster heart rate, blurred vision, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, fatigue
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Liraglutide (Saxenda)
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Mechanism: Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases feelings of fullness and slows gastric emptying.
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Prescribed To: Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Nausea, constipation, blurred vision, urination issues, headaches, muscle pain
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Semaglutide (Wegovy)
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Mechanism: Semaglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, enhances insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying to reduce appetite.
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Prescribed To: Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, fatigue
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Benzphetamine (Didrex)
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Mechanism: Benzphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine that acts as an appetite suppressant, similar to phentermine.
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Prescribed To: Short-term use for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Dizziness, headaches, trouble sleeping, mood changes
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Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
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Mechanism: Diethylpropion is a sympathomimetic amine that suppresses appetite by stimulating the central nervous system.
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Prescribed To: Short-term use for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Headache, fatigue, fever, urination issues, dizziness, vision issues
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Phendimetrazine (Bontril PDM)
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Mechanism: Phendimetrazine is a sympathomimetic amine that acts as an appetite suppressant by stimulating the central nervous system.
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Prescribed To: Short-term use for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions.
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Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, trouble sleeping, weakness
Weight loss drugs can be a valuable tool, and even life savers for individuals with medical conditions such as obesity. But they do come with potential side effects and risks.
Before turning to prescription drugs, consider a gentler, natural approach that supports long term metabolic health.
Metabolism Ignite relies on science-backed strategies to boost your metabolism naturally. Rather than relying on stimulants or synthetic hormones, it harnesses botanical extracts from hibiscus and lemon verbena, igniting the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. Once activated, this crucial enzyme supercharges metabolism, boosting energy expenditure and inhibiting fat storage in adipose and organ tissue.
This powerful supplement also works on the hunger hormones, reducing levels of appetite-stimulating ghrelin and triggering leptin and GLP-1 so you feel fuller for longer. GLP-1 is the hormone that semaglutide drugs add to your body synthetically, which makes them so effective. Metabolism Ignite helps your body to increase GLP-1 by producing it naturally.
But Metabolism Ignite's effects don't stop there. It increases metabolic capacity – meaning your body can produce and burn more energy with greater efficiency for the long term. This makes weight loss easier and also benefits sleep, eases pain, and improves gut, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health.
Managing weight health is a personal choice. Whether you choose drugs or opt for natural options supported by healthy diet and lifestyle habits, the best way to support your health is to stay informed.