Weight Loss Pills For Obesity Management
Pills for losing weight work best in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Some of the best weight loss pills are natural supplements that boost metabolism, improve energy levels and speed up your body’s fat-burning processes.
Are diet pills safe?
You can lose significant amounts of weight with prescription-only pills, but you must talk to your doctor about whether a pill is right for you. Many prescription weight-loss medications are not covered by insurance, so you may have to pay out of pocket for them.
The most common prescription medication is phentermine, which helps you feel fuller for longer and suppresses your appetite. It’s typically used for a short period of time (usually 12 weeks), so your doctor can evaluate how well it works for you.
Other medications can help you lose weight in two ways: Some work in your brain to reduce appetite and cravings, while others block your body’s ability to absorb fat. If you’re concerned about side effects, your doctor may recommend a nonprescription supplement to add to your weight-loss regimen.
A popular oral weight-loss drug is Contrave, which combines naltrexone (a substance abuse treatment) with bupropion, an antidepressant marketed under the brand name Wellbutrin. In initial studies, more than 40% of people who took the pill for 1 year lost at least 5% of their body weight.
Injectable weight-loss medications are another option, including Imcivree (setmelanotide) and Tirzepatide. Both can be used to treat obese patients with a BMI of 27 or higher, or who have certain genetic conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure.