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Weight loss medications can be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
Treatments designed to induce weight loss focus on reducing energy intake (by decreasing food absorption or by decreasing appetite), increasing energy expenditure or a combination of both effects.
Orlistat acts locally to potently inhibit pancreatic and gastric lipase and thus the hydrolysis of triglycerides. As a result, only approximately two-thirds of dietary triglyceride intake is absorbed by the small intestine. Orlistat has been shown to be modestly efficacious (120 mg three-times daily) in several long-term randomized clinical trials where it induced weight loss of approximately 5–10 pounds more than diet and exercise alone. The most common side effects are diarrhea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain and dyspepsia.
Phentermine has been available since the 1960s with a worldwide exposure of more than 50 million prescriptions. It is available in a timed-release resin under the brand name Ionamin (15 or 30 mg) or a more quickly released hydrochloride form (15, 30, or 37.5 mg) in various brands and generic form. Adverse effects were minor such as agitation or insomnia. The weight loss can be 10-30 pounds.
Qsymia is a combination of phentermine and topiramate in an extended-release capsule. In the clinical trials the weight loss is up to 10% of body weight. Possible side effects of Qsymia include: Mood changes and trouble sleeping. Qsymia may cause depression or mood problems. You should not take Qsymia during pregnancy.
Lorcaserin affects chemicals in the brain that affect appetite. The weight loss is moderate of ~10% body weight. The most common side effects were headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation.
Contrave contains a combination of bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine. Naltrexone blocks the effects of narcotic medicines and alcohol. The weight loss in clinical trial is up to 10% body weight. The most common side effects of CONTRAVE include: gastrointestinal side effects, headache and dry mouth.
*Weight loss results can vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results. Read full disclaimer >