As a concierge doctor in New York City with a focus on medical weight management, I frequently get inquiries about different drugs that can help people lose weight. It’s critical to comprehend the various possibilities offered and how to make best use of them. In this post, I’ll give a brief summary of the most widely used weight-loss drugs, along with their brand names, and talk about the elements doctors take into account when choosing the best drug for a given patient.

Phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin)

Also known by the brand names Adipex-P and Ionamin, phentermine is a weight-loss drug that is frequently prescribed. It has an effect on the central nervous system and suppresses appetite, which helps people feel full faster and consume less calories. Usually, phentermine is taken combined with short-term lifestyle changes including a healthy diet and consistent exercise. When deciding whether phentermine is a good option, doctors take into account things including a patient’s medical history, any current medications they are taking, and any potential side effects.

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)

Orlistat is a weight-loss drug that has been approved by the FDA. It comes in both a prescription (Xenical) and over-the-counter (Alli) form. It functions by preventing the digestive system from absorbing dietary fat, which lowers calorie intake. Orlistat is frequently suggested for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or for people with a BMI of 27 or higher who have health issues due to obesity. When determining if orlistat is the right medication for a patient, doctors take into account a variety of variables, including dietary fat intake, gastrointestinal tolerability, and patient preferences.

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Liraglutide, also known as Saxenda, is an injectable drug that was initially created to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that promotes weight loss by decreasing hunger and raising feelings of fullness. It also helps to control blood sugar levels. Saxenda must be carefully titrated before being injected under the skin each day. When evaluating liraglutide as a therapy option, doctors analyze a patient’s medical history, current medications, potential adverse effects, and specific weight loss goals.

Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave)

Contrave is a combination drug that contains both the antidepressant bupropion and the drug naltrexone, which is typically used to treat drug and alcohol addiction. In order to lessen cravings and hunger, this combo targets the brain’s appetite control areas. When deciding if a patient is a candidate for Contrave, doctors take into account the patient’s history of mental illness, any potential contraindications, and the adverse effects of bupropion and naltrexone.

Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)

Qsymia is a combination drug that contains both the anticonvulsant drug topiramate and the hunger suppressant phentermine. This mixture promotes satiety while decreasing hunger. To evaluate whether Qsymia is an appropriate alternative, doctors consider a patient’s medical history, probable side effects, and personal weight loss objectives.

Doctors take into account a number of aspects when determining which weight reduction drug is ideal for a patient, including:

  • Medical History: Doctors look over a patient’s medical background, including any underlying illnesses, allergies, and prescription drugs they may be taking at the time. This aids in locating possible interactions or contraindications to drugs used to treat obesity.
  • Weight reduction Objectives: Physicians review a patient’s weight reduction objectives to ascertain whether a certain medicine meets the patient’s needs and expectations.
  • Side Effects: Each medicine has potential side effects, and doctors assess a patient’s tolerance level for these adverse effects to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
  • Lifestyle and Preferences: When choosing a weight reduction drug, doctors take into account a patient’s lifestyle, including dietary preferences and exercise routine.
  • Insurance Coverage: Since some weight loss pills may have different degrees of coverage depending on the particular insurance plan, doctors also consider insurance coverage and the price of medications.

It’s vital to remember that using weight-loss medicines requires the supervision of a trained healthcare expert at all times. The best prescription will be chosen after a comprehensive evaluation of each patient’s unique circumstances, and a doctor will continue to monitor the patient and offer assistance as they lose weight.

As a concierge doctor in New York City with a focus on medical weight management, I provide thorough assessments, individualized treatment programs, and continuous support to patients to help them successfully lose weight. Together, we can choose the best weight-loss drug and create an all-encompassing strategy that incorporates lifestyle changes for long-term success.