What’s the Difference in Effectiveness and Side Effects Between Weight Loss Meds?

 

When paired with diet and exercise, prescription weight loss medication can boost results.

With nearly a dozen drugs on the market, deciding which option is best suited and safe for you requires understanding key differences in how they work, potential side effects and clinical effectiveness.

This guide provides an overview of today’s most popular FDA-approved weight loss medication list.

Overview of Medications

Today's go-to weight loss medication list includes both brand name and generic versions of:

● Phentermine

● Orlistat

● Liraglutide

● Naltrexone/bupropion

● Semaglutide

While all aim to reduce weight, their methods and clinical profiles vary significantly. Discuss pros, cons and potential risks thoroughly with your doctor to determine which pharmaceutical intervention may be appropriate combined with diet and increased physical activity.

Cost Comparison

Prescription weight loss drugs range in monthly cost from $30 to $1500+ without insurance:

Medication	Typical Monthly Cost
Phentermine	$30 - $50
Orlistat	$50 - $70
Liraglutide	$800 - $1000
Naltrexone/Bupropion	$100 - $200
Semaglutide	$1000 - $1500+

Pills tend to be cheapest while injectable diabetic medications used for weight loss are most expensive. However, with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs may be reduced depending on your policy.

Effectiveness Overview

Clinical trials indicate weight loss medications produce the following approximate results on average compared to placebo when combined with lifestyle interventions:

Medication	Expected Weight Loss
Phentermine	3% - 7% more weight loss
Orlistat	2% - 4% more weight loss
Liraglutide	5% - 8% more weight loss
Naltrexone/Bupropion	4% - 9% more weight loss
Semaglutide	12% - 15% more weight loss

Results vary based on medication adherence, dosages, diet quality and other factors. No weight loss drug produces miracles on its own without dietary changes. Discuss expectations thoroughly with your prescribing doctor.

Side Effect Comparison

All medications come with potential adverse reactions. Common side effects for popular weight loss drugs include:

Medication	Frequent Side Effects	Serious Side Effects
Phentermine	Headache, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea	Pulmonary hypertension, heart valve disease
Orlistat	Oily stools, gas, stomach pain, uncontrolled bowel movements	Severe liver injury
Liraglutide	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation	Thyroid tumors, pancreatitis
Naltrexone/Bupropion	Nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness	Suicidal thoughts, seizures
Semaglutide	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation	Thyroid tumors, pancreatitis

Rare but serious risks may also be possible. Immediately report any worrisome symptoms to your physician.

Interactions and Warnings

Beyond adverse reactions, consider these contraindications before pursuing weight loss pharmacotherapy:

● Pregnancy/Nursing: No weight loss drugs are FDA approved for pregnant/nursing women due to risk of harm.

● Teens/Children: Generally only approved for ages 16 and up or 18 and up.

● Diabetes: Effects may interfere with diabetes management.

● Thyroid disease: Increased risk of thyroid tumors with some medications.

● History of eating disorders: May increase relapse chances.

● Kidney/liver issues: May limit medication options.

Discuss your complete medical history and any medications supplements you take to determine appropriateness.

Enhancing Effectiveness

While weight loss medication can augment efforts, results require consistently following these practices:

● Stick closely to prescribed dosing schedules.

● Engage actively in nutrition and exercise programs.

● Keep all provider follow-up visits.

● Report any concerning or severe side effects promptly.

● Track lifestyle habits like food, activity, weight.

● Communicate struggles early to allow medication adjustments if needed.

● Plan for continued weight maintenance after ending medication course.

Working synergistically with your medical team provides the greatest likelihood of effective, safe and sustainable weight management over the long haul.

Key Takeaways

● Today's prescription weight loss drugs range from pills to injections used short-term alongside diet and exercise.

● Options produce approx. 2% to 15% more weight loss over lifestyle changes alone on average.

● Side effect risk profiles vary between classifications of medications.

● Close provider supervision is required to maximize benefit and minimize adverse events.

● No medication can replace consistent adherence to calorie control and increased physical mobility.

Discuss all drug and non-drug options thoroughly with your obesity medicine specialist to create a customized plan catered to your health needs.