Weight Loss Pills

For many individuals struggling to lose weight, weight loss medications can provide a much-needed push in the right direction. Losing weight with diet and exercise alone can be difficult, making prescription weight loss medications a useful component for many patients.

Weight loss medication should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional like Dr. Jenny Liu and should be employed in conjunction with a comprehensive weight loss program that combines diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes necessary for long-term weight loss success. Dr. Liu can assist you in developing a customized weight loss program that is right for you, and she can determine which weight loss medications, if any, will be most appropriate for your individual needs.

Weight loss medications are typically only recommended for short-term use and for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. For patients who have a BMI below 30, weight loss medications can be helpful in fighting obesity-related diseases. Obesity is a serious health condition that is best addressed with the support of a medical professional. If left untreated, obesity can result in numerous health complications, including:

• Arthritis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes

Dr. Liu will perform a number of tests to evaluate your needs before determining whether or not weight loss medication will be effective and safe for you. Dr. Liu may also prescribe medication to combat insulin resistance and hormone deficiency, which can slow weight loss if left untreated.

Types of Weight Loss Medications

There are many different kinds of weight loss medications available. Some work by suppressing your hunger while others alter your body’s metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and provide satiety, making it much easier for your body to process the food you eat and lose weight.

Seven weight-loss drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use:

• Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
• Liraglutide (Saxenda)
• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
• Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
• Semaglutide (Ozempic)
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
• Setmelanotide (Imcivree) (for > 6-year-old children)

The following types of FDA-approved weight loss medications may be prescribed to our patients:

• Appetite Suppressants. By affecting the chemicals in your brain, prescription appetite suppressants are able to make you feel full more quickly while you are consuming fewer calories. Reducing your hunger pangs will make it easier to adhere to a calorie-controlled weight loss program. Because you will need to ensure your body is getting all the vitamins and nutrients it needs while consuming fewer calories, dietary supplements may also be recommended.
• Fat-Absorption Inhibitors. Also known as “fat blockers,” these inhibitors prevent the absorption of fat in the digestive tract. When combined with a low-calorie diet, this medication encourages weight loss by reducing the overall amount of fat your body takes in. Because maintaining proper nutrition is crucial while using fat absorption inhibitors, it may be necessary to also take dietary supplements.
• GLP-1 Agonist. GLP-1 agonist is designed to help reduce hunger and food intake, thus potentially supporting weight loss. it mimics a naturally produced hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). This hormone is partly responsible for regulating hunger.