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

19 May, 2023  |  Holy Winter - Healthcare Writer

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, how they work, and who they are 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.

• Alli (orlistat) Lower dose
  
  Alli is a 60-milligram, over-the-counter version of orlistat (Xenical), a 120-milligram prescription drug. Both Alli and Xenical are meant to be used as part of a weight-loss plan, along with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular physical activity.Orlistat (the active ingredient in Alli) 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. The fat is passed through bowel movements.

Xenical

Xenical is a brand name for the weight loss medication orlistat. Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines, which results in the excretion of about 30% of dietary fat in the stool. This leads to a reduction in overall calorie intake and can result in weight loss.

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)

WEGOV  (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg is an injectable prescription medicine that 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. Wegovy® should be used with a reduced calorie meal plan and increased physical activity

• Wegovy® contains semaglutide and 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

• It is not known if Wegovy  can be used safely in people with a history of pancreatitis

Liraglutide & Saxenda

Liraglutide 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 and if we talk about sexenda it is a same brand name for the weight loss medication liraglutide. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by slowing down stomach emptying, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing appetite.

Saxenda is typically 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 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.

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.