Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills: Are They Right for You?

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Understanding Overweight and Obesity

Healthcare professionals define overweight and obesity using the Body Mass Index (BMI), a ratio of your weight to your height.

A BMI between 25 and 30 indicates overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher signifies obesity. You can easily calculate your BMI to determine if you fall into the overweight or obesity categories, or if you have severe obesity, which significantly elevates your risk of developing various health issues. Consulting your healthcare provider is crucial for a personalized risk assessment based on your weight.

If you’re struggling with weight management, adopting a healthy eating plan and engaging in regular physical activity are foundational steps for weight loss and long-term maintenance. However, when these lifestyle adjustments are insufficient, Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills might be considered as part of a comprehensive weight management strategy.

The Growing Concern of Overweight and Obesity

Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease with significant prevalence. In the United States, it affects more than 40% of adults, with nearly 1 in 10 experiencing severe obesity.¹ This highlights the urgent need for effective management and treatment options, including exploring the role of doctor prescribed weight loss pills.

How Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills Can Help

Prescription medications for weight management, commonly known as doctor prescribed weight loss pills, operate through various mechanisms. Some medications work by reducing appetite, helping you feel less hungry or reach satiety sooner during meals. Others interfere with fat absorption, making it more difficult for your body to absorb fat from the food you consume. Understanding these different mechanisms is key to choosing the right approach for individual needs.

Who Can Benefit from Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills?

Doctor prescribed weight loss pills are intended for individuals who face health problems related to overweight or obesity. Healthcare providers utilize BMI as a primary tool to assess eligibility for these medications. You may be a candidate for prescription weight loss medication if you are an adult with:

A BMI of 30 or greater, classifying as obese.
A BMI of 27 or greater, and you have existing weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to note that doctor prescribed weight loss pills are not a universal solution for everyone with a high BMI. For many who are overweight or obese, lifestyle interventions focusing on behavioral changes, improved eating habits, and increased physical activity can be effective in achieving weight loss. Lifestyle programs may also address underlying factors contributing to weight gain, such as emotional eating triggers and inadequate sleep.

Weight Management Medications for Children and Teenagers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain weight management medications for use in children aged 12 and older. These include orlistat (Xenical),² liraglutide (Saxenda),³ phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia),⁴ and semaglutide (Wegovy).^5,6 Additionally, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE),⁷ is approved for children as young as 6 years old, but specifically for those with rare genetic disorders that cause obesity. The availability of doctor prescribed weight loss pills for younger populations signifies a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive obesity treatment across age groups.

Lifestyle Changes vs. Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills

It’s crucial to understand that doctor prescribed weight loss pills are not designed to replace healthy habits. They are most effective when used in conjunction with physical activity and a balanced diet. Research consistently demonstrates that weight management medications yield the best results when integrated into a comprehensive lifestyle program. Consult your healthcare provider about lifestyle treatment programs for weight management that can complement medication and support your weight loss journey.

Weight management medications work best when combined with lifestyle changes, not as a replacement.

Benefits of Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills

When combined with lifestyle and behavioral modifications, including healthy eating and increased physical activity, doctor prescribed weight loss pills can significantly aid in weight loss and its maintenance. On average, adults using prescription medications as part of a lifestyle program experience a 3% to 12% greater reduction in their starting body weight after one year compared to those in a lifestyle program alone. While less data is available for children over 12, the trends appear to be similar.

Studies indicate that a subset of individuals using doctor prescribed weight loss pills achieve a weight loss of 10% or more of their initial weight.^8,9 Results can vary depending on the specific medication and individual responses, with some medications leading to 10% or greater weight loss in over half of the participants.

Even modest weight loss of 5% to 10% can yield substantial health benefits, including improved blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. Weight reduction can also alleviate other obesity-related health issues such as joint pain and sleep apnea. The majority of weight loss typically occurs within the first six months of starting medication.

Concerns and Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications

Experts emphasize that potential side effects of doctor prescribed weight loss pills must be carefully weighed against their benefits. It is crucial to never consider these medications solely for cosmetic purposes. Historically, some weight management drugs have been associated with serious health problems, leading to their removal from the market in the U.S.

Possible side effects vary based on the specific medication and its mechanism of action. While most side effects are mild and tend to improve with continued use, serious side effects can occur in rare cases. It’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about potential risks before starting any weight loss medication.

Important Tips When Taking Weight Management Medication

Adhere strictly to your healthcare professional’s instructions regarding doctor prescribed weight loss pills.
Obtain your medication from a reputable pharmacy or online distributor approved by your healthcare provider.
Use weight management medication as a support to your healthy eating and physical activity program, not as a standalone solution.
Be fully aware of potential side effects and warnings associated with any medication before starting it.
If you do not experience significant weight loss after 12 weeks on the full prescribed dose, consult your healthcare professional about whether to discontinue the medication.
Inform your healthcare professional about all other medications you are currently taking, including supplements and vitamins, when considering doctor prescribed weight loss pills to avoid potential interactions.
Never take weight management medications during pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant due to potential harm to the fetus.

Choosing the Right Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills

Selecting a medication for overweight or obesity is a collaborative decision between you and your healthcare professional. Key factors to consider include:

The anticipated benefits of weight loss for your specific health profile.
The medication’s potential side effects and your tolerance for them.
Your current health conditions and any other medications you are taking to prevent drug interactions.
Your family’s medical history, particularly concerning obesity-related conditions.
The cost of the medication and your insurance coverage.

Duration of Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills Treatment

The duration for which you will need to take doctor prescribed weight loss pills depends on several factors. It hinges on the medication’s effectiveness in helping you lose weight and maintain that loss, as well as whether you experience any significant side effects.

If you have achieved sufficient weight loss to improve your health and are not experiencing troublesome side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend continuing the medication long-term. Conversely, if you fail to lose at least 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks at the maximum dosage, your healthcare professional will likely advise you to stop the medication. In such cases, your healthcare provider may:

Adjust your treatment plan or explore alternative weight management medications.
Recommend different lifestyle, physical activity, or dietary programs to enhance weight loss.
Review your other medications to identify and change any that might be contributing to weight gain.
Refer you to a bariatric surgeon to evaluate if weight-loss (bariatric) surgery is a suitable option for you.

Given that obesity is a chronic condition, maintaining new eating habits, physical activity levels, and other healthy behaviors is often a long-term commitment—potentially lifelong—to sustain health improvements and manage weight effectively.

Weight Regain After Stopping Weight Loss Medication

It’s common to experience some weight regain after discontinuing doctor prescribed weight loss pills. However, establishing and maintaining healthy eating patterns and consistently engaging in physical activity can minimize weight regain and help sustain weight loss over time.

Federal physical activity guidelines (PDF, 14.5 MB) recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, alongside muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. Achieving or maintaining your weight loss goals may necessitate exceeding 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly.

Insurance Coverage for Weight Management Medication

Insurance coverage for doctor prescribed weight loss pills varies among plans. While some insurance plans do cover these medications, not all do. It’s essential to contact your insurance provider directly to determine the specifics of your coverage for weight management medications.

Types of Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills

The table below provides a list of prescription drugs approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. Six of these—orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound)—are approved for long-term use. Four of these are approved for both adults and children ages 12 and older. Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) is approved for specific individuals with rare genetic disorders causing obesity, confirmed through genetic testing. These medications can be continued as long as they remain beneficial and do not cause serious side effects.

Some appetite-suppressing weight management medications, like phentermine, are FDA-approved only for short-term use (a few weeks). Although some healthcare professionals prescribe them for longer durations, long-term safety and effectiveness data are limited.

All of these medications have potential side effects, some of which can be significant. Before starting any medication for obesity, a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider about potential risks and benefits is crucial.

Discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with your healthcare provider that could increase your risk of health problems when taking weight loss medications.
Weight loss medications can interact harmfully with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Disclose all medications and supplements you are taking. Avoid combining weight loss medications with other weight loss products unless specifically directed by your healthcare provider.
There have been reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in individuals taking certain weight loss medications. The FDA is actively investigating this potential link.
Weight loss medications should not be used during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus, and are generally not recommended during breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor about any allergies or sensitivities you have before taking any weight loss medication.

The following table offers basic information about weight loss medications. Side effects and reactions are possible.¹⁰ For detailed information, consult the FDA drug database, DRUGS@FDA.

FDA-Approved Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills for Long-Term Use

Weight Management Medication	Approved For	How It Works	Do Not Take If You Have These Conditions
orlistat (Xenical) Pill, oral, 3 times daily. Lower dose available OTC (Alli)	Adults and children ages 12+	Reduces fat absorption in the gut from food.	Nutrient absorption problems, cholestasis.
phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) Pill, oral, once daily.	Adults and children ages 12+	Combination of phentermine (appetite suppressant) and topiramate (seizure/migraine medication). Reduces hunger, promotes fullness.	Glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, MAOI antidepressants in past 14 days.
naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) Pill, oral, 1-2 times daily.	Adults	Combination of naltrexone (alcohol/drug dependence treatment) and bupropion (depression/smoking cessation aid). Reduces hunger, promotes fullness.	Uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, anorexia/bulimia, MAOIs in past 14 days, frequent opioid use, bupropion-containing medications (Wellbutrin, Zyban), recent alcohol/drug withdrawal (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antiepileptics).
liraglutide (Saxenda) Injection, daily.	Adults and children ages 12+	GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake in the brain. Lower dose (Victoza) for type 2 diabetes.
semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection, weekly.	Adults and children ages 12+	GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to liraglutide. Other forms/dosages (Ozempic, Rybelsus) for type 2 diabetes.	Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) Injection, daily.		Activates brain pathways to reduce appetite and increase calorie burning.
tirzepatide (Zepbound) Injection, weekly.	Adults	GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking two hormones to regulate appetite and food intake. Other form (Mounjaro) for type 2 diabetes.	Personal/family history of MTC or MEN 2.

Off-Label Use of Weight Loss Medications

Healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe medications “off-label,” meaning in ways not explicitly approved by the FDA. Off-label prescribing for overweight and obesity might involve:

Using a drug approved for a different medical condition.
Combining two or more drugs.
Prescribing a drug for a longer duration than FDA-approved.

Always feel comfortable asking your healthcare provider if a prescribed medication is being used off-label for weight management. Before starting any medication, ensure you have comprehensive information about its use, benefits, and risks.

Future Weight Loss Medications

Ongoing research is focused on developing new and improved medications and medication combinations for weight management. Researchers are actively working to identify safer and more effective treatments to help individuals with overweight and obesity achieve and maintain healthy weight in the long term.

Future medications may employ novel strategies, such as targeting specific metabolic pathways or hormonal signals involved in appetite regulation and energy expenditure.

Clinical Trials for Doctor Prescribed Weight Loss Pills

The NIDDK actively conducts and supports clinical trials across various diseases and conditions, including overweight and obesity. These trials are essential for discovering new methods for disease prevention, detection, and treatment, ultimately improving patient quality of life.

Participating in Clinical Trials for Weight Loss Medications

Clinical trials, and other forms of clinical studies, are integral to medical advancement and rely on the participation of volunteers. By volunteering in a clinical study, you contribute to the collective understanding of diseases and help shape better healthcare for future generations.

Current research areas in clinical trials for doctor prescribed weight loss pills include:

Investigating the effect of liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) on weight loss and gastric function in overweight and obese individuals.
Studying weight management in adolescents and young adults with persistent severe obesity after bariatric surgery.
Exploring treatment approaches for patients with obesity and binge eating disorder.
Researching interventions for overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Learn more about whether clinical studies are right for you.

Watch a video featuring NIDDK Director Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers discussing the vital role of clinical trial participation.

Finding Clinical Studies Seeking Participants

You can access a filtered list of federally funded clinical studies on doctor prescribed weight loss pills that are currently open and recruiting participants at ClinicalTrials.gov. You can broaden or refine this search to include studies from various sources, including industry and universities; however, please note that the National Institutes of Health does not review these external studies and cannot guarantee their safety. Always consult with your healthcare provider before participating in any clinical study.

References

Last Reviewed June 2024

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This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

NIDDK would like to thank: Kishore Gadde, M.D., Pennington Biomedical Research Center