• UCLA Health
  • myUCLAhealth
  • School of Medicine
Bariatrics

UCLA Bariatric Surgery

Bariatrics
  • About Us
    • Our Expert Team
    • Program Overview
    • Insurance Coverage
    • Patient Stories & Photos
    • Patient Story Videos
    • In The News
    • Publications
    • Clinical Trials
    • Webinars
    • Donate Today
    • Share Your Story Today!
  • Obesity Treatments
    • What is Obesity?
    • Appointment Request
    • Bariatric Surgery
    • Gastric Bypass
    • Gastric Sleeve
    • Gastric Bypass Revision
    • Lap Band Revision
    • Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
    • Patient Testimonials
    • Video Gallery
    • BMI Calculator
    • Medical Weight Loss Program
    • Patient Information Video
    • Endoscopic Treatment of Weight Regain
    • Anti-Reflux Surgery
  • Gastric Sleeve
    • Gastric Sleeve Introduction
    • Gastric Sleeve Illustrations
    • Gastric Sleeve FAQs
  • Patient Resources
    • Ready To Care For You
    • How to Get Started
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Insurance Coverage
    • New Patient Forms
    • Pre-op Class Schedule
    • Patient Information Video
    • Patient Stories & Photos
    • Patient Story Videos
    • Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
    • Safety of Bariatric Surgery
    • Preparing for Surgery Video
    • Support Group
    • BMI Calculator
    • Video Gallery
    • For Post-Op Patients
    • Share Your Story Today!
  • Nutrition Corner
    • Support Group
    • Nutrition Before Bariatric Surgery
    • Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery
    • Transitioning to Soft Foods
    • Healthy Eating Home
    • Healthy Snack Choices
    • How to Lose Weight
    • Keep Yourself on Track
    • Dining Out Tips
    • Holiday Eating Tips
    • Shopping List
    • Recipe Collection
  • Contact Us
    • Map and Directions
  • Our Expert Team
  • UCLA Health
  • myUCLAhealth
  • School of Medicine

UCLA Bariatric Surgery

Obesity Treatments

Obesity Treatments

Obesity Treatments

  • What is Obesity?
    • About Obesity
    • Quality of Life
    • Diabetes
    • Fatty Liver Disease
    • Hypertension
    • Joint Pain
    • Mortality
    • Obesity Associated Cancer
    • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility
  • Appointment Request
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Gastric Sleeve
  • Gastric Bypass Revision
  • Lap Band Revision
  • Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Video Gallery
  • BMI Calculator
  • Medical Weight Loss Program
    • Weight Loss Medications
  • Patient Information Video
  • Endoscopic Treatment of Weight Regain
  • Anti-Reflux Surgery
    • Nissen Fundoplication Illustrations
  • What is Obesity?
  • Appointment Request
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Gastric Sleeve
  • Gastric Bypass Revision
  • Lap Band Revision
  • Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Video Gallery
  • BMI Calculator
  • Medical Weight Loss Program
  • Patient Information Video
  • Endoscopic Treatment of Weight Regain
  • Anti-Reflux Surgery
  • Weight Loss Medications
  1. Home
  2. Bariatrics
  3. Obesity Treatments
  4. Medical Weight Loss Program
  5. Weight Loss Medications

Weight Loss Medications

Share this
Request An Appointment

Phone: (310) 825-7163

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:

  • 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or
  • 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

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.

Weight loss medication

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)

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

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.

Phentermine and Topiramate combination (Qsymia)

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 (Belviq)

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.

Bupropion and Naltrexone combination (Contrave)

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 >

Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Subscribe to Our Videos on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Connect with Us on LinkedIn Follow us on Pinterest
UCLA Health hospitals ranked best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
  • UCLA Health
  • Find a Doctor
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • UCLA Campus
  • Directory
  • Newsroom
  • Subscribe
  • Patient Stories
  • Giving
  • Careers
  • Volunteer
  • International Services
  • Privacy Practices
  • Nondiscrimination
  • Billing
  • Health Plans
  • Emergency
  • Report Broken Links
  • Terms of Use
  • 1-310-825-2631
  • Maps & Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Your Feedback
  • Report Misconduct
  • Get Social
  • Sitemap
Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Subscribe to Our Videos on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Connect with Us on LinkedIn Follow us on Pinterest

Sign in to myUCLAhealth

Learn more about myUCLAhealth