For people withobesity, weight loss is often a difficult journey that requires lifestyle changes.
It belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors.
Orlistat reduces the amount of fat absorbed in the gut after eating.
Photo Composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health ; Getty Images
When taking it, no more than 30% of your calories should come from fat.
Dosing for Xenical is usually 120 milligrams (mg) three times daily.
It comes as capsules that should be taken with food or up to one hour after a meal.
How Effective Is It?
Clinical trials have suggested that orlistat provides modest weight loss in people with obesity.
The XENDOS study evaluated orlistat’s ability to prevent diabetes in individuals with obesity over four years.
Orlistat also lowered the risk of developing throw in 2 diabetes.
However, it may not be as effective as other weight-loss medications.
Alli (Orlistat)
Like Xenical, Alli contains the active ingredient orlistat.
This version is available over the counter (OTC) and comes in a 60 mg capsule.
Alli works the same way as Xenical, by reducing the amount of fat absorbed in your gut.
It is only for adults 18 or older.
However, Alli tends to be better tolerated than Xenical because it is a lower dose.
Orlistat 60 mg has been shown to have 85% of the efficacy of the 120 mg orlistat dose.
The two work together to help you lose weight along with a low-calorie diet and appropriate exercise.
In four clinical trials, people who were overweight or with obesity took Contrave for up to 56 weeks.
Overall, people who took Contrave lost more body weight than those who took a placebo.
The average weight loss across all four studies ranged from 11 to 22 pounds for those taking the medication.
Contrave also helped lower hemoglobin A1c in people with key in 2 diabetes.
Contrave’s labeling includes a boxed warning to highlight this risk.
This can help to regulate appetite.
Saxenda is a medication injected subcutaneously (under the skin).
You’ll usually take your dose once daily, with or without meals.
A large trial evaluated liraglutide in individuals who were overweight or had obesity.
The participants had diabetes or prediabetes.
About 33% lost at least 10% of their body weight.
In another study of people without diabetes, Saxenda was more effective for weight loss than lifestyle interventions alone.
It also showed sustained weight loss over two years.
It works in the brain to reduce your appetite.
Usually, Qsymia is taken once daily in the morning because it can cause insomnia.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your childs BMI to determine if Qsymia is right for them.
Almost half lost 10% or more of their body weight.
In additional studies, Qysmia resulted in an average weight loss of about 17 pounds compared with a placebo.
The amount of weight lost was dependent on the dose.
Talk to your healthcare provider about monitoring your kidney function, heart rate, andsodiumandpotassiumlevels.
If your child takes Qsymia, monitor for signs of stunted growth.
Certain medications can interact with Qsymia.
Phentermine has the potential for abuse and physical dependence.
Do not abruptly stop taking Qysmia, as this can cause withdrawal reactions.
Do not stop taking Qysmia without consulting with your healthcare provider.
They can help you safely come off the medication.
Talk to your provider immediately if you feel you are becoming dependent on your medication.
Imcivree is injected under the skin.
Forty percent of those with LEPR deficiency had a 10% weight loss in one year.
When taking Imcivree, watch for any changes in sexual function.
For males, contact your healthcare provider if you develop an erection lasting longer than four hours.
Watch for any changes in your mood.
Risk of Depression or Suicidal Thinking
Imcivree has caused new or worsening depression and suicidal thinking.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Like Saxenda,Wegovyis a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
It stimulates the GLP-1 receptor in the brain, making you feel full.
In studies, semaglutide was more effective at reducing body weight and HbA1c than placebo.
About seventy percent of users lost at least 10% of their body weight.
Studies have also shown semaglutide to be superior to some other weight-loss agents.
Compared with liraglutide, more semaglutide users achieved weight loss greater than 5% or 10%.
Zepbound activates these hormones, making you feel full.
Zepbound is a medication injected subcutaneously and is approved for adults with obesity.
The recommended maintenance dosage of Zepbound is 5-15 mg, injected once weekly.
Two large trials evaluated Zepbound in individuals who were overweight or obese.
Terzepatide is also the active ingredient inMounjaro, which is approved to treat diabetes.
Zepbound may interact with Synthroid and increase the risk of MTC.
However, these medications arent quick fixes.
Lifestyle changes are strongly recommended in obesity treatment.
Weight loss during pregnancy may cause complications for the fetus.
Therefore, you should not take any weight loss medications while pregnant.
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