Popular weight loss medications How they work and who they are best suited for

19 May, 2023  |  Jane Thomas - Marketing

There are several popular weight loss medications that work in different ways to help individuals lose weight. Here are some of the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications, along with an explanation of how they work and who they're best suited for.

Orlistat:

Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines. This results in the excretion of about 30% of dietary fat in the stool, which reduces overall calorie intake. Orlistat is best suited for individuals who have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with other weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

How does Orlistat work?

Available in 120 milligram capsules, Orlistat is intended to be used as part of a weight loss plan along with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular physical activity. Orlistat (which is the active ingredient in other similar drugs like Xenical) promotes weight loss by decreasing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines.

Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller parts so it can be used or stored for energy. Orlistat blocks the work of lipase. When you take the drug with a meal, about 25% of the fat you eat isn't broken down, and is instead passed through bowel movements.

Xenical

Xenical is a brand name for the weight loss medication Orlistat. As we explained above, Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines, which results in the excretion of about 25% of dietary fat in the stool. This leads to a reduction in overall calorie intake and can result in weight loss.

How to take Xenical for the best results

Xenical is usually prescribed to individuals who have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with other weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It is typically taken three times a day with meals that contain fat. The recommended dosage for Xenical is 120 mg three times a day.

Like any medication, Xenical can have side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain. It can also interfere with the absorption of some vitamins, so it's important to take a daily multivitamin while taking Xenical.

As with any weight loss medication, Xenical should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise and should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. It is not suitable for everyone, so it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

This 2.4 mg injectable prescription medicine may help adults and children aged ≥12 years with obesity (BMI ≥30 for adults, BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex for children), or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) (overweight) who also have weight-related medical problems to help them lose weight and keep it off.

Like the other medications we've previously talked about, Wegovy should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. Because it contains semaglutide, it should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.

It is not known if Wegovy is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight loss products, and it's also not known if Wegovy can be used safely by people with a history of pancreatitis. Because of this, it's important to make your pharmacist aware of your medical history and current prescriptions before using Wegovy.

Saxenda

Saxenda is a brand name for liraglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by slowing down stomach emptying, increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. It is best suited for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with other weight-related health conditions. 

Saxenda is usually administered by subcutaneous injection once a day, and the dosage is gradually increased over the course of several weeks. The recommended dosage for Saxenda is 3 mg per day, and it should be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. 

Like any medication, Saxenda can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. It can also increase the risk of developing pancreatitis, thyroid cancer and gallbladder problems, so it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting Saxenda.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Utilising the active ingredient Tirzepatide, Mounjaro is another popular brand of weight loss injection.

Just like Saxenda, Mounjaro users should begin with a lower dose (2.5mg), before gradually increasing this to 5mg after four weeks and up to 15mg thereafter. Increases can be made in increments of up to 2.5mg to achieve the required results.

The main difference between Mounjaro and Saxenda (from a user's perspective, anyway) is that Mounjaro is only administered once a week rather than once a day. 

Its active ingredient, Tirzepatide, works by reducing feelings of hunger and cravings, making it easier to reduce your food intake without feeling like you're missing out. 

Do weight loss tablets work?

When taken in combination with a balanced diet and regular exercise, both weight loss tablets and injections can be highly effective. For instance, in clinical trials, Orlistat has helped participants lose an average of 5-10% of their initial body weight over a 6-12 month period.

It's important to note that weight loss medications should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise and should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Additionally, these medications may not be suitable for everyone and can have side effects, so it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.

Finding the right prescription weight loss medication for you

Want to get your weight loss journey underway? The first step is to speak to a pharmacist and, at IQ Doctor, we make that process easy. Our quick, easy and confidential online consultation form is convenient and hassle-free, and next-day delivery means you won't have to wait long to get started.

To begin, discover our complete range of prescription weight loss medications and complete our free online consultation form today.