Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Julia Larson Pexels Logo Photo: Julia Larson

What is the strongest weight loss pill on the market?

Phentermine-Topiramate extended release (Qsymia) is the most effective weight loss drug available to date. It combines an adrenergic agonist with a neurostabilizer. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75/23mg to 15mg/92mg. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight loss medication.

What happens when you drink olive oil every morning?
What happens when you drink olive oil every morning?

Olive oil is a healthy fat that contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Drinking it regularly may benefit your heart, bone, and digestive health and...

Read More »
How often should you drink lemon water for weight loss?
How often should you drink lemon water for weight loss?

Mix together the juice from three lemons and 10 cups of water. Consume it three times a day before meals.

Read More »

Are you a patient seeking obesity treatment? Find a specialist in obesity medicine who can assist with your health and weight loss goals. Click to find an obesity medicine clinician near you. Weight loss medications are an important component of a complete treatment plan for adults with obesity (BMI > 30) or overweight (BMI > 27) with increased adiposity complications. The benefits of weight loss medications include: appetite control, improvement of eating behavior, and slow progression of weight gain and regain. Before 2012, there were few weight loss medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The top medications at that time were phentermine and orlistat.

Currently Available Weight Loss Medications

Phentermine (Adipex, Ionamin, Suprenza) and diethylpropion are the oldest medications for weight loss. Phentermine is available in daily doses of 37.5 mg, 30 mg,15 mg, and 8 mg (Lomaira). Phentermine is FDA-approved for short term use, and it is an adrenergic agonist that produces appetite suppression. Side effects include: dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, and irritability. Caution should be used in patients with hypertension. Orlistat is a weight loss pill that inhibits pancreatic and gastric lipase decreasing fat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It is available to be taken with meals in doses of 120 mg (Xenical) and 60 mg (Alli) OTC. Side effects include: flatulence with fatty discharge and fecal urgency after consumption of high-fat foods, side effects that lead to medication discontinuation. Since 2012, the FDA has approved four safe weight loss medications for long-term weight management. Phentermine-Topiramate extended release (Qsymia) is the most effective weight loss drug available to date. It combines an adrenergic agonist with a neurostabilizer. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75/23mg to 15mg/92mg. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight loss medication. Side effects include: abnormal sensations, dizziness, taste alterations, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. Contraindications include: uncontrolled hypertension and coronary artery disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and sensitivity to stimulants. If more than 5% weight loss is not achieved after 12 weeks of the maximum dose, the weight loss pill should be gradually discontinued. Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave) combines a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and an opioid receptor antagonist. Start with a daily dose of 8/90 mg tablet to four tablets a day. It controls cravings and addicted behaviors related to food. Side effects include: constipation, headaches, insomnia, and dry mouth. Contraindications include: uncontrolled hypertension, history of seizures, and opioid use and dependence. Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor approved for diabetes type 2 as Victoza and for weight loss injection as Saxenda. Doses start at 0.6 mg to 3 mg a day. Liraglutide delays gastric emptying and causes satiety. Good candidates are adults with diabetes and prediabetes. Side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. It is contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Obesity medications are intended for long-term use, as obesity is a chronic disease. They improve health, quality of life, and body weight in patients with overweight and obesity. Medications for weight loss are only one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes nutritional, physical activity, and behavioral therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five signs you may have vitamin D deficiency?
What are the five signs you may have vitamin D deficiency?

Here are five signs to watch out for: Fatigue. Feeling fatigued and sluggish is probably the most common sign of vitamin D deficiency, Dr. ......

Read More »
What prescription drugs increase dopamine?
What prescription drugs increase dopamine?

Medications. Ropinirole, pramipexole, and levodopa can boost dopamine levels. Levodopa is the precursor to dopamine, which means it is something...

Read More »

What is the secret mineral to weight loss?
What is the secret mineral to weight loss?

1. Magnesium: Magnesium levels in the body regulates blood glucose levels and a good control over glucose matters a lot when it comes to weight...

Read More »
Which alcohol has the least sugar?
Which alcohol has the least sugar?

If you're looking to go low sugar, then there are some basic approaches you can take. Your best bet is to stick with hard spirits like gin, vodka,...

Read More »
Can you be obese and healthy?
Can you be obese and healthy?

While being overweight is a precursor to obesity and, like obesity, can increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke, it's also possible...

Read More »
How much weight will I lose with bupropion XL?
How much weight will I lose with bupropion XL?

by Drugs.com Weight changes are considered a side effect for both Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR. Studies of Wellbutrin XL show that 23% of people...

Read More »